on the rim

What a time to reflect.  BaconFest 2016, it was so good to connect with family long not seen.  I love all of them.  Kathie, Lucy and Paul, and Leslie and Scott.  Brandon and Jessie.  and Paul!  To be surrounded by family is the best thing to be.  Way better than figuring out how to not be alone and yet being alone in Twin. One week in retirement.  Still trying to settle in, and figure things out. I have a lot of work to do around the house, and that actually makes me happy. What has the year wrought?  The end of a 28 year career.  That is a no brainer, and have written already about it. How about a nation more divided than any time since the Civil War?  I really do think it is that bad.  People protesting the President Elect, and yet he is probably the most apolitical candidate to run since who knows when.  What does the gay community have to fear from him?  Absolutely nothing.  For that matter, what do t...

So, day two of being unemployed.  While retirement began on Saturday, yesterday was day one of not being at work when I otherwise would have been.  Thought about work as I was driving twelve hours.  Realized that it didn't matter.   Got to Kansas, and checked my work email.  No access.  Good.  That will be a hard habit to break. Today I unloaded most of the truck.  I went and walked at the track like I had done for ten years before leaving.  So what was the point? I won't lie here.  I am feeling a little down.  Partially, I am sure, is because I have no plans.  School, yes, two classes.  But I managed setting up my successor, day to day work, and two classes, so two classes, and nothing else?  Boring. Renewing my relationship with Sarah.  We spoke daily for the time I was gone.  We visited frequently, but it is not the same as being there for each other.  I look forward to that time.  Of beco...

A quick note.   Having left Twin, no longer looking out over the Snake River Canyon.  So the blog will probably continue, in the spirit of what I have been doing, but it is sad to be leaving. Since December 1, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been promoting the project #LIGHTtheWORLD to promote service as Christ served.  Each day had a focus, and suggestions for how each of us could #LIGHTtheWORLD .  On many of those days I posted, either here or simply on Facebook, a way that I lit the world.  I did it, not to brag, or to say "look at me!"  I did it to show people that it was easy, and that they were probably already doing lighting the world.  I hoped to spread the word, to get people to realize that they too could #LIGHTtheWORLD . I have been stuck in Rexburg for two days longer than what I expected due to weather.  Stuck is a really bad choice of words.  I have been with Callie, and so it has been okay.  After ...

As the Savior lifted those whose bodies were disfigured from sin, and gave hope to all around him, we have the same opportunities.  Will our actions ripple across generations, centuries, and continents?  As individuals, probably not.  But here is the thing.  If we each lift one person, then it certainly can span continents, and have an impact not just today, but the future as well. How can we lift people?  It is so incredibly easy, that most are probably doing it, they just haven't connected their words and actions to doing as the Savior would do.  Here are some things that maybe you do. Smile at people you meet. Say thank you for actions on your behalf. Commit a random act of kindness. Give a compliment. These are so simple, and used to be very basic common courtesy.  Maybe still? Of course there is so much more that is done, and that we can do.  people serve selflessly.  They seek out ways to serve.  We all do our own thi...

Day 18.  Honoring the Sabbath through Song,  No surprise, right? Today was my last Sunday in the Twin Falls 10th Ward.  The choir sang, I will comment in a moment on that.  I wanted to focus first on the Sacrament Hymn that we sang.  It is  #185 in the LDS Hymnbook.   Reverently and Meekly Now , by Joseph Townsend.  In my experience, this song is not commonly sung, so I made a point of reviewing the words.  While I was doing that, it occurred to me that the song is not like most Sacrament hymns, singing of Jesus, and the Atonement.  It is sung as the voice of Christ preparing us to partake of the Sacrament.  The lyrics are so thoughtful, so feeling,  His love is apparent.  Read  them for yourself. 1. Rev'rently and meekly now, Let thy head most humbly bow. Think of me, thou ransomed one; Think what I for thee have done. With my blood that dripped like rain, Sweat in agony of pain, With my body on the...

As I write, it is 9:21 MST.  A week from now, hopefully, I will be in a hotel in Nebraska.  Heading home. With the exception of property transfer, I no longer have a need to be at work.  Depressing in a way. To be no longer needed.  Although as an ATM, I really haven't felt needed for a  while.  I can honestly say that I have been working up to now, and have some things that I do need to do next week.  Twin Falls has been a wonderful place to work, maybe even to make a difference. however small. The choir sings Sunday.  I will no doubt write on that. More oppressive is the WHY?  I really did feel that it was right for me to come out here.  More than just because of the job, please don't ask for an explanation, I probably can't give it to you.  Suffice that I felt like it was what I needed to do. Three years later, having spent money traveling back to KC a few times a year, rent, etc.  the question still is, WHY?  Be...

Me pregunto, como voy a través de los días que preceden a la Navidad, y pensando en el #ILUMINAelMUNDO iniciativa, estoy haciendolo? Hago algunas cosas. probablemente muy pocos. Escribo mucho, para cualquier propósito que sirve. (No estoy seguro de que hay uno), pero he estado pensando... Es así de fácil? O, ¿estoy perdiendo algo? Como reflexiono haciendo lo impensable mañana, en honor a la fecha "adoremos a través de la canción, como el Salvador hizo" https://www.mormon.org/spa Me pregunto, soy realmente tratando de seguir estas iniciativas como se pretende? O me estoy tomando un camino fácil. El primer pensamiento que tuve fue que las cosas que yo elija hacer no son obras dignas de El Salvador. Estoy en honor a él? Sé de dónde vino ese pensamiento. La verdad es... Es fácil! . La canción Little Drummer Boy es todo acerca de eso. Cada acto de bondad es notado por aquel que lo ve todo. Cada palabra de alabanza. Cada ¡Aleluya! Todas esas cosas que la gente dic...

I have been pondering this all weekend and today.  Wondering how I should express it.  Here goes. This past weekend was mostly wonderful.  Three nights. Three concerts.  Each with challenges, numerous mistakes, but an excellent spirit.  Truly the Holy Ghost testified of the Savior's birth through song.  While Come to Bethlehem was put on by the Twin Falls Idaho South Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS). it was and has been a community event.  The bell choir was from the 1st Presbyterian Church,  many denominations making up the orchestra.  Invocations and Benedictions were offered by Pastors of various faiths.  Orthodox, Baptist, LDS.  The music was traditional Christmas fare,  Messages from the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were standard Christmas. Thursday night was sparsely attended. (heavy snow and ice)   Friday and Saturday were full.  Beautifu...

Night two of Come to Bethlehem is done.  Lots of people tonight. Last night we were in a pretty good snow storm, and so while the chapel was full, The overflow seating wasn't.  Tonight, yes.  One more night.  and then a solo at church on Sunday.  Singing Hallelujah and other songs three nights straight, and then a solo?  probably should have thought that one out. So many times, we hear people quote scripture, quote apostles, prophets, CS Lewis,  Me?  I am just as likely to quote Handel, Phelps, Snow.  Testifying through song.  I listed a few of my favorites, but the list is certainly not exclusive. This morning, I shared a video of O Holy Night , by GENTRI.  The message is too important to not share, and share, and share.  Especially today!  As we #LIGHTtheWORLD today, it was to reach out to the poor, to aid those in need, as the Savior did https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4fvMgNfN0I Please watch. I wasn't wri...

Seventy Five years ago, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, drawing the United States into World War II.  A war that literally spanned the globe.  Hundreds of millions of people with their lives directly impacted.  An attack that its architect knew would doom his homeland, and yet out of duty to country and to his Emperor, planned and executed it. This is very important to understand. While I know that it is extremely unlikely that the actions that I take will impact more than a handful of people, I have come to realize that it is those small interactions, replayed billions of times the world over every day, by billions of people, that make a lasting difference.  It doesn't matter whether we pay attention or not, the mere actions we take do ripple across the world. So much hatred in the world. So much fear.  So much anger.  It was these emotions that resulted in such destruction.  But what can I do?  What difference can I make? Right now...

There are so many ways that we can worship God, as many as there are people on earth.  While I worship God the Father, through His Son, on this day I encourage all to turn to God,  recognizing that there are many different faiths.  What matters is that we all turn to a power greater than ourselves, to join with humanity in worship. Today, I will attend church, I will participate in the ordinance of the Sacrament, to renew my covenants with God.  I join with millions around the world in participating in this specific ordinance. I also had the opportunity of putting together a musical number for our annual High Priest Quorum meeting.  You knew it would be a song, didn't you?  I find music to be one of the purest forms of worship. I will sing praises to the Father all the days of my life. #49  Adam-ondi-Ahman 1. This earth was once a garden place, With all her glories common, And men did live a holy race, And worship Jesus face to face, In Adam-on...

To this day, the best man that I have ever known is my father.  He was self sacrificing, both for his family, and for God.  He served willingly.  A very dedicated Home Teacher. A man who magnified his callings, and his Priesthood in ways that stand as a testament of him.  He took shifts that were inconvenient for him.  This was compounded by his dedication to us, his family. When I was eleven years old, it was tradition at the time that those scouts could go on camp outs with the  Troop, if their father's went.  My dad was working the swing shift, and so often I would go on the camp out, set up the tent, and would go to bed, and wake up with my dad in the tent.  He helped by providing leadership, and helped me, even though I was somewhat inept when it came to the outdoors.  He was always there.  My heart aches that he is not here on earth, but know that he will be waiting for me. As my dad worked, the responsibility of taking care of...

Interested?  If you are not a fan of my musings regarding music, probably should just move on. It was in February of 2004, that I first was introduced to the Mormon Chorale.  I have frequently sung in Ward Choirs, and enjoyed it, but really didn't think much about my voice, (still don't).  People there made me feel at home,   I sang with them all the way through December of 2013, when I moved to Twin Falls. (okay, I did go home to sing with them twice since, including Messiah)  Larry and Alice Beebe especially made me feel at home, putting up with me, and my voice. As a choir director, I have tried to adapt hymns to craft a certain feeling.  I frequently use the meter listing in the back of the hymnal, as well as pieces outside of the hymnal.  I have mentioned several in the past.  If you are looking for powerful hymns beautifully arranged, look no further than hymns.com    No, I am not a spokesperson for them, but would gladly do so...

Last Sunday, the 10th ward choir sang Loving Families , written by Barbara Dykstra, and arranged by Larry Beebe.  It was my next to last opportunity to direct the choir in Sacrament Meeting.  After coordinating with the Bishop, I opted to not put together a choir program.  I had too many things going on, to give it the attention that it deserved. So, the primary is singing, the choir has a song, and the congregation will be singing It Came Upon a Midnight Clear , also arranged by Larry Beebe. They did very well, but it was truly their spirits that made the words soar. The Spirit was never stronger.  I had more people comment on the beauty and the message of the song, than any other song we have done.  I credit the writer, and the arranger for the material, but mostly I credit the singers, for their testimonies born so strongly. One month from today, I will turn in my badge, my credential, if I can find it, hand the keys over, and drive away from Twin, perhap...

I remember it like it was yesterday.  Friday the 13th, 1992.  Bill Clinton had just been elected President of the United States.  We were living in Bellevue, NE.  A scheduled C-Section.  The look on her face when the resident said that she thought they could be delivered naturally.  Thankfully, the Dr. came in, and by using his hands, showed the resident that one of those girls was laying side to side, and a natural birth wasn't going to happen. As it turns out, she was first, thus the oldest.  Five minutes later, and they were both on their way in this world.  Compared to their brothers, they were small.  7 lb 4 oz for Isabel, and 7 lb. 2 oz. for Esther.  Of course combined, they made for a lot of baby. When they came home they were inconsolable in their separate cribs, and only settled down when next to each other in the same one.  They are identical, no matter what one might think now,   So identical, that we put initial...

A lot of emotion today.  Partially because I know that I will  be leaving my choir, probably in better hands, but also just thinking that the clock is now really getting  tight.  I am happy, and should be, obviously, but that doesn't take away the love I feel towards my ward in Twin.   The main reason is the song that the choir sang today.  Alice Beebe wrote the lyrics to the song "Walking in the Light of God" which her husband Larry so beautifully arranged.  I believe that the song was written, at least in part, as a devotion to God, celebrating the dedication of the Kansas City Missouri Temple, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. What a beautiful concept, Walking in the Light of God.  All of mankind is born with the Light of Christ within them.  This light helps point us to make good choices, to choose good over evil, and to help us find our way back to God.  No matter what our circumstance, no matter how far w...

On Christmas Day, I will most likely be starting a new life.  Or rather, I WILL be starting a new life.  It will likely be the first day of my unemployment, better known as retirement. It is not a huge surprise, though there was a chance that it wouldn't happen.  That chance was increased in July by a comment by one of the muckie mucks of my employer.  They opted to not follow through, which is okay by me. Any change in life brings stress.  Good change, bad change,  all bring stress.  No different here.  Adapting to the realization that 28 years in a career is coming to an end is not fun.  I have been blessed beyond measure to do a job that I enjoy.  I would say that I owe a debt of gratitude to my employer, but in reality, they paid me a fair wage, and I provided them value for it, so even. Trying to map out everything for my successor is going to be a challenge.  So many things I do, I just do.  Documenting them will be...

As a preface, I will say that I am presenting views of Columbus based on doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  If you are interested read on.  If not, you were warned.  While I think that the doctrine is correct, it is only represented as my opinion and belief. I wanted to take a moment to write about Columbus Day, and the why.  Starting by going back to nearly 600 years BC.  1st  Nephi 13:   12  And I looked and beheld a man among the Gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the Spirit of God, that it came down and  wrought  upon the man; and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren, who were in the promised land. This is from the Book of Mormon, translated by a young man on the frontier with very little formal education.  How?  Through the power of God.   What did Columbus have to say about his desire to go wes...

I haven't finished with the Star Child CD, not by a long shot.  These are not the experience today, and I wonder if it ever was the reality or Brigham Young University (BYU) or Ricks College (now BYU-I).   I never attended BYU, but the legends, or stereotypes were there, and they live on.  I am not sure about how valid they are today.  Not sure that all the young men and women that go to BYU, or BYU-Idaho, are on the same path they used to be. Based on the devotions and talks given regarding dating and courting and how they are not happening would indicate that they are not.  While extremely cheesy, I suspect more than a few would like the stereotype to be the reality.  So, a two-fer. The first is Matrimony .  Marie has decided to go to the dance, the music is a very disco type beat, and well, the words speak for themselves. Matrimony, Milk and Honey Happy Valley, Have a ball With a hey, and a hi, And a hi back too and I love you Take a gir...

We have been blessed so far this Conference time.  So many good words.  Not sure why they are impacting me more, but feeling somewhat at peace with myself, for the first time in a while. It saddens me that people will go to the effort to get tickets to conference, to go in the conference center, so that they can stand against the prophet of God.  People have their agency, and I respect that, but, if you are so dead set against the prophet, then why are you a member of the church?  No, some moron trying to make a point has any impact on what I believe, but can you imagine how some of the nicest, most Christlike men on earth feel hearing someone make a point to stand against them, after all the work they do? I would also say that I am saddened by hearing the MTC choir singing.  Whenever I do, I can't help but go back and replay this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgA0shs3L28 I know that people have agency, children have agency, and we were told very...

Today, I think that I had the most spiritual experience that I have ever had as a choir director.  Today we sang, with young men and women singing, a mother daughter duet, with a powerful testimony from the choir throughout.  As the duet was being sung, I was crying.  I credit all of those singing, as well as the pianist.  Mostly I thank our Father in Heaven for providing the testifying witness to the words. I suspect that all who read this already know what music can do to me.  Every hymn, every song of praise is a prayer to God.  Every one.  Some have more impact on me than others.  Many times, I can simply look at the author of the song.  I have two favorites.  I won't pick which is best, each can decide for themselves. W.W. Phelps has written masterpieces, that are found throughout the LDS hymnbook.  Songs like Praise to the Man , Adam-Ondi-Ahman , If you could hie unto Kolob are just a few.  A very close associate of ...

Continuing the Star Child lyrics. Some story line is required.  Chuck has given up trying to show Marie he can change.  He has left the mansion, and has gone to Marie's apartment to give her an ultimatum.  She either leave with him now to get married, (not in the temple) or she will never see him again.  He gives her an hour. Marie is torn.  She loves Chuck. and she wants to go.  But she also knows that she wants more.  Sacred Covenants by proper authority, in the proper place.  Time and eternity. Which way? Which way?  Which way do I go? All my tomorrows, I hold in this moment, with the choice I’m making now. Which way?  Which way?  It’s so hard to know. The feelings are coming, from different directions Which path do I take, which road? If I’m wrong for him I want to know it.  But if I’m right for him, please let me feel it. But if I stay with him I might regret it. Which way do I go? Which way, whic...

A break from Star Child. So you bring a friend to church.  As you walk into the chapel, you greet people, you introduce your friend, and then find that pew you always sit on.  As you sit down you look up at the song board for the meeting.  You remind yourself of each song, and then you see it.  284.  284?  What hymn is that?  You don't remember singing it.  So you sit down, with your friend, and while waiting for the meeting to begin, you look up the hymn.   You have worked hard to get your friend to come, and then you see it:  "If You Could Hie unto Kolob" For some reason, this masterpiece by W.W.Phelps is seldom sung.  It pushes the mind to look past the finite, to try to grasp what lies beyond.  Most people of faith believe in life after death, or some sort of eternity.  It was rearranged for the 1985 hymnbook, and the result was a hymn whose lyrics match the tune.  So here it is; 1. If you could hie to Kolo...