…the parched land shall become a pool, and the thirsty lands springs of water…(Isaiah 35:7)

Till the Day Christ Found Me

In 1947, the song writing team of Lerner and Loewe created a musical called “Brigadoon.” It’s a fantasy that takes place in the highlands of Scotland in a village that only appears once every 100 years. One of the songs that I’ve always loved and always brings tears to my eyes is called “There But […]

Oh What Songs of the Heart

Matthew’s death was sad and unexpected and it caused in me some deep reflection. He isn’t the first friend or family member I’ve known to have died. As I’ve prayed for his family and spent time in the temple over the last couple of weeks I’ve found comfort and peace.

Different Angles and Mendelssohn

I had an interesting experience the other day as I was taking a walk around the grounds of the Temple in Sacramento. As I paused for a moment in the shade of an oak tree, I looked up. 3 people like this post. Like Unlike

Circles and Lines

In many cases a circle is a good shape. The earth that Our Lord created is a circle.There’s a hymn that says “Improvement and Progression have one eternal round. ” (Hymns 1985 #284) And if you think about it, a circle has no beginning nor ending. Usually.  4 people like this post. Like Unlike

Pansies Never Shun the Fight

Wisdom and encouragement can sometimes come in unusual packages. Sometimes they can be great choruses or works of music created by some of the great composers. Sometimes, in words written by the saints and apostles of ages past as well as today. And sometimes from  an annoying ear worm or some very pretty flowers.  3 […]

The Hand of Providence

The hand of Providence is something for which I am profoundly grateful. Especially when it comes when I haven’t done something simple like look at a map. 4 people like this post. Like Unlike

Fear Not!

Throughout the scriptures and in hymns and other places of inspiration, there is a wonderful message. Fear not! 4 people like this post. Like Unlike

Lead Thou Me On

There is a great truth in the phrase, God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform. Sometimes the inspiration and message can come from a most unlikely source. Yes, even Facebook.  3 people like this post. Like Unlike

In All Our Trials, Born to be Our Friend

In addition to Messiah, we are working on various other Christmas music. One of the selections we did last night is one that I’ve always loved. O Holy Night, is one that I’ve sung and played countless times over the years. In the arrangement of it that we are doing, the tenors sing the melody in the second verse. But that second verse was particularly meaningful to me and had a profound impact. Particularly the middle of that verse which says, “The King of Kings, lay thus in lowly manger, In all our trials born to be our friend. He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger…” Even writing it now it brings tears to my eyes. That was the message last night that I really needed. He Does know our need and is an eternal friend and comforter in times of trial.

Strong and Faithful Amid the Storms

A couple of weeks ago I took a little vacation trip up to Ashland, Oregon and the Oregon Coast. The trip was very restful and energizing. The gentle rhythm of the waves rolling in is one of the greatest lullabies ever. The visit with beloved friends was wonderful as well. But one of the most […]

Words of Wisdom from the Mother Abbess

This week is one in which I meet myself coming and going. It’s been a month of ups and downs. I’m house sitting while both my sisters are out of town. While I’ve been house sitting, I’ve had the opportunity to revisit some of my favorite movies. The Sound of Music has been one of […]

Hurry to Jesus

A few days ago, I was listening to a local Catholic radio station. The host of the program was a nun named Mother Angelica. She was answering questions from children, and also told the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10). 3 people like this post. Like Unlike

Be Still, and Know That I am God

In other times in my life, I might have given into temptation and done something I shouldn’t have. In the midst of the anxiety and discouragement though something happened that was different. I found a place in this noisy bustling city of quiet, and there I prayed. As I did so, I felt the anxiety and discouragement leave. And I realized the reason for the change was that I had decided to be still. And in that stillness, I found peace.

God’s Truth Abideth Still

The truth of God is a great source of comfort and strength in a world of uncertainty and distress. It keeps on going as it has in ages past and continues to do so today. Several events this last week have made me profoundly grateful for his never ending love. 4 people like this post. […]

Chided the Billows and Hushed the Wind

Recently,  the choir that I sing in did a performance of Verdi’s Requiem. It’s a very dramatic work. If you’re familiar with Mozart’s Requiem think, Mozart Requiem on steroids. A lot of emphasis of the terrors of death and the final judgement. From a artistic standpoint it was nice to sing this again. I’ve sung […]