Gratitude #20

I am grateful (one day I will stop trying to spell that greatful...oh bother) for poetry.

I have always been absolutely fascinated by poetry and have always had an urge deep inside me to write my thoughts...but I don't have a fabulous gift for it.

Every now and then I will get lucky and get my thoughts just right, but it doesn't come without some help.
My little sister and I have been emailing back and forth some poems we are working on and in this way we give each other comments and suggestions.
Thank goodness for email....Maci and I are both very strong willed and we think we're right the first time, every time, so it can be difficult for either of us to give the other constructive criticism right to their face. Email is the perfect media to have some distance between us when we tear each other apart haha

I think one reason I love poetry so much is because it's a very musical form of writing.
In honor of this Thanksgiving season, here is one of my favorites:

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done


Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly
And you will be singing as the day goes by


When you look at others with their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high


So amid the conflict whether great or small
Do not be discouraged God is over all
Count your many blessings, angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end

Who I Am

Who I am is probably my favorite song of all time.

I have always felt like it describes my life perfectly 

(even though it has been pointed out to me that it fits just about everyone's life)

My favorite part of the song goes like this:

And when I make a big mistake

When I fall flat on my face

I know I'll be alright

And should my tender heart be broken

I will cry those teardrops knowin'

I'm gonna be just fine

Cause I know exactly who I am

Some other songs that I've been liking a lot recently are:

Without You by Keith Urban (but then again I love anything this man sings)

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not by Thompson Square

A Little Bit Stronger by Sara Evans

I Won't Let Go by Rascal Flatts (Another group I can't get enough of)

What Do You Want From Me by Jerrod Niemann

Just a Kiss by Lady Antebellum (I love every one of their songs but Lookin' for a Good Time :P)

Raymond by Brett Eldredge

Barefoot Blue Jean Nights by Jake Owen (It's so catchy!)

And last but not least

Don't You Wanna Stay by Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson

Most Played

Photo Challenge Day 4: A picture of your currently most played CD.

To be perfectly honest I don't listen to CD's.
iPod's are the way to go baby!

However, if I had to choose between the songs I listen to the most it would definitely be between the following:

The best songs off this one are It's Not Over, Over You, All These Lives, and What About Now in my opinion.

Some favorites from this one are: No Surprise, Life After You, September, Learn My Lesson, and Call Your Name. This man can sing I tell you!

I love Sparks Fly, Back to December, Haunted, and Long Live from this one!

Basically I love EVERY song by He is We:

I Wouldn't Mind

Blame it on the Rain

Breathe

Happily Ever After

Radio

Give It All

Light a Way

Pardon Me

Pour Me Out

Too Beautiful

This man is a genius!

A musical genius!

I went to the Idaho State Symphony last night and was totally blown away.

The first piece was written by a professor here at ISU.

It's called Districts of Metal Near Water...which I thought was a little weird, but whatever.

It started out with the percussion imitating the rain. And it was AWESOME!

It literally sounded just like we were standing in the middle of a rainstorm. 

This piece would get really quiet and then boom with thunder and waves and all sorts of amazing things.

The next piece was definitely not as eventful as the first. I found it boring :P

And then I got to experience Vivaldi's Four Seasons for the first time. 

Aaron Berofsky (pictured above) was the guest soloist and I don't think I've ever seen anybody who is more amazing at the violin as he is.

He had the entire thing memorized and I don't think I could ever make any violin make the gorgeous sounds that he was making...it was magical!

Here's a funny thing that happened last night...

After the closing notes of Summer rang out everyone rose to their feet and applauded. 

They did an amazing job, there's no doubting that...but that was only half of this piece!

The conductor turned around and motioned for everyone to sit.

"We're only at September 2nd!" he said. 

After a pause of about 10 seconds Matthew said, "Ooooh, Four Seasons. I get it!" Or something like that.

My Addictions...

Edge of the seat.

Nail biting.

Intense.

Twisting and Turning.

Addicting.

Thought provoking.

Hilarious.

Do or die.

Doesn't give a crap.

Addicting.

Clean.

Rockin' awesome.

Versatile.

Amazing voice.

Listen 24/7.

Addicting.

Sweet.

Thick.

Creamy.

Christmas.

Mouth watering.

Addicting.

Spicy.

Sweet.

Chili.

Doritos.

'Nuff said.

Addicting.

Loving.

Supportive.

Amazing.

Happy.

Forever.

Eternal.

Addicting.

Blessing number 30

The Forgotten Carols


A few days ago Brendan told me that he had a couple of tickets to The Forgotten Carols that he couldn't use because he had to work. He then told me he would give them to me on one condition: I take a date.

Well, I got a date rounded up and at 4:00 we headed to Idaho Falls to pick up the tickets from Brendan.
We had to be seated by 6:45 and we were there really early, so we went to the mall first to do a little Christmas shopping. Anyway, that part of the story is boring....on to the good stuff!

The first thing you see when the play starts is a bunch of contentious people walking across the stage. Then Michael McLean walks across and starts playing the sweetest melody you have ever heard on a V-shaped flute instrument...thing. I don't know what it is. It was absolutely gorgeous and left me breathless and speechless from the opening notes.

For those of you who don't know, The Forgotten Carols is about an old man who hires a nurse to come help him over the Christmas holiday. She is a little bit of a Scrooge because of things that happened in her past, but this man helps change her demeanor. He tells her that he is nearly 2000 years old and that he was there when Christ was born. The Forgotten Carols are the carols of the lesser thought of characters in the Christmas story.

My favorite song is The Innkeeper. Michael McLean perfectly captured the sorrow of the innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary away. When the choir comes in with a nice strong, "Let Him in! Let Him in!" It's almost enough to bring you to tears. I think this is the perfect way to convey to us to let the Savior into our hearts.

When the play was over Ryan and I were waiting in line to meet Michael McLean, then Ryan pulled out a copy of the book for me to have signed. It was a total surprise!

My book!

See that signature in the top left? Yeah, that's MICHAEL MCLEAN'S!!!

I am grateful for the Savior and all He's done for me.

He has had the biggest impact on my life and 

I'm grateful that the Forgotten Carols could help 

me focus on those things.

This month I have learned a lot through this Attitude of Gratitude.

I have learned to love the simply things 

and to always be grateful for them.

But the biggest thing I learned is....

I'm not done yet!

Keep checking back for more blessings!

Blessing number 26

Trials


I have a strong belief in the quote, "If He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it."

I've had a lot of not so fun times in my life,

but I haven't been beat yet!

I love the feeling you get when you come to the end of some trial

and you realize that you had the Big Man Upstairs

was right there the whole time.

I also love this quote by Mother Theresa.

"I know God won't give me anything I can't handle.

I just wish he didn't trust me so much."

I have come to know that I can make it through anything

and I am BEYOND grateful for that.

This is my favorite painting by Simon Dewey.

It is titled Abide With Me.

I found the lyrics to this hymn fitting.

I think of these words when I'm having a hard time.

Abide with me, fast falls the eventide

The darkness deepens, Lord with me abide

When other helpers fail and comforts flee

Help of the helpless oh, abide with me

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;

Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;

Change and decay in all around I see;

O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.

What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?

Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

Blessing number 4

I would definitely have to say that one of my biggest blessings in life is music! I posted another blog about my dear friend Bob a couple of weeks ago, so a lot of this might repeat. Read on anyway!

Bob and Me :)

It's funny, I was really bored on Tuesday while Kenna and Mystie were at class, so I pulled out my violin and started playing. From MEMORY! I didn't have a hymn book in front of me or anything and I must've played 30 songs. I don't know what got into me honestly! I used to never do that, but I all of a sudden have this HUGE desire to play almost constantly :) I love that feeling. One of my good friends, Derek, came over and was kind enough to just sit there and let me play. I asked him his favorite hymn and then played it. Bob and I played for a couple of hours I think.

I used to never play in front of people (especially solos!) unless it was family, but I played for these people that I've only known for a few months...and I loved the feeling.

Now, one of my favorite church songs is called Believe by Cherie Call. Here are the lyrics if you're interested...

I've Been There And I've Seen With Those Eyes
Green With Envy, Dark With Anger
Or Just Plain Blue
And I Know The Last Thing You Really Want To Hear
Is Just What I'm About To Tell You
But You Have To Hear The Truth
I Know It's Stylish To Be Cynical These Days
So There's Only One Thing Left To Do

Believe
Sometimes Traffic Lights Are Green,
Sometimes People Keep Their Word
In Spite Of Everything You've Heard, It's True That
Sometimes Nice Guys Finish First,
Sometimes True Love Really Lasts
Sometimes All The World Can Change
If Only You Believe

Still You Say The Phone Rings Every Time You Want To Take A Bath
Or Take A Nap, Or You Just Need Peace
But Tell Me This, Did You Really Want To Be
So All Alone As You Are Now?
Don't You Need A Friend Who Knows
It's In The Way You See The Glass
Once You Know That It's Half Full, It Overflows
Every Time That You

Believe
Sometimes Christmases Are White,
Sometimes Wedding Days Are Clear
Sometimes Rain Falls Right On Time
To Wash Away Your Tears
Sometimes Cornfields Touch The Sky,
Sometimes Sunsets Make You Cry
Sometimes You See What Jesus Sees
When You Look In The Mirror

And Love Isn't Something That Is Just For Everyone Else
It's For You
Believe What I Say Is True
In Spite Of All The Ways You Feel Right Now
You've Got To Find Out Some Way Somehow To

Believe
Sometimes The Good Live Long,
Sometimes Kindness Reaches Far
Sometimes You Hear Your Favorite Song
Right When You Get In The Car
You Don't Have To Move The Sky
But You Can Chase The Clouds Away
You Don't Have To Change The World,
But You Might Do It Anyway

Believe
Believe Sometimes Nice Guys Finish First
You Don't Have To Change The World,
But You Might Do It Anyway


I bolded my favorite line in case you couldn't tell :)

Bob and me :)

For those of you who don't know who Bob is,

He has been very special in my life and 

sometimes I love him more than anything else

because he makes everything disappear.

Cute, right?

Bob is my violin. Sorry to burst any bubbles!

I've been playing the violin since I was in fifth grade

when I joined Mr. and Mrs. Mann's orchestra.

I was hooked from the very first day!

I'll be the first to admit, I was never the best at practicing

but that doesn't mean I didn't love it.

I got Bob when I was going into 7th grade.

It was a HUGE surprise. 

I had been playing Lindsay's little half sized violin

and it was clear to everyone that I was quickly outgrowing it.

Mr. Mann brought it up frequently that I needed a bigger one,

but I avoided the topic because I knew it was a lot of money.

Then, one day we got a huge box in the mail, and 

SURPRISE! A new violin!

He got his name when I was in 9th grade...

to be honest I think it started as a joke

But BOY did it stick!

When I was playing in the orchestra for The Secret Garden

I remember Tanner Davis seeing me walk through

the doors and he said, "BOB!!! Oh, and Emma!"

When we moved away from Moscow I was disappointed

to learn that there was no orchestra program.

My formal training stopped there (can you really call it formal training?)

I never had a private teacher, that surprises a lot of people.

I tried to keep up on my skills by playing in the Community Orchestra

or in church, and in the orchestra for school musicals.

When I was packing up everything to leave for college

Maci walked into my room and said, "Are you taking Bob?"

A flood of emotions overcame me and I

all of a sudden wasn't so sure.

I hadn't picked up my violin for 3 months.

I didn't think I would ever have time for it, 

and I was 100% ready to leave him in Soda.

...or so I thought.

I brought him.

I couldn't leave him.

Then, a few weeks ago I was singing in 

the Women's Institute Choir and we came

upon a part in I Know That My Redeemer Lives

that split into a congregation part and a choir part.

Brother Lee admitted that he didn't know what

we were going to do for that part 

and before I knew what I was doing my hand was in the air.

I told him that I would play the congregation part

and he gladly accepted.

I just got back from another rehearsal

and I'm so filled with the spirit!

I love the way that playing Bob feels!

Sister Lee, our pianist, turned to me

after one run-through and asked how long

I'd been playing.

I told her that I hadn't played since my 

freshman year and she said, "In college?"

"Oh no, in high school."

"Are you in the ISU Symphony?"

THAT was sure a confidence boost!

Bob and me, we're a team :)

Learn of Me

Today in Sacrament Meeting one of my friends was in charge of the musical selection. When they announced it from the pulpit she looked a little surprised, like she forgot about it...how she can just get up there and play a song flawlessly (and INCREDIBLY beautifully) is a mystery to me. Anyway, she played Janice Kapp Perry's Learn of Me. The words came to my mind as she played and I knew she chose to play that song for me. Maybe not knowingly, but for me.

I walk today along the path of life.
No more a child protected from the strife.
Now I must face whatever foes may comes
And fight with strength until the battle's won.

I trembling fear the task is far to great,
On every side the Tempter lies in wait.
What can I do? I plead to Him above,
Then hear Him speak these gentle words of love:

Learn of me and listen to my words,
Walk in the meekness of my light
And I will give you peace,
My love will never cease,
For I am Jesus Christ.

When I was yet a child so clean and pure,
I doubted not and knew God's love was sure.
I knew He lived for every bird and tree,
By breath and leaf, were witnesses to me.

But now the world would fill my mind with doubt,
And so my soul, in search of truth cries out.
How may I know? I plead to Him above
Then I recall these gentle words of love:

Learn of me and listen to my words,
Walk in the meekness of my light
And I will give you peace,
My love will never cease,
For I am Jesus Christ.

My life is blessed to have His sacred word,
To feel His love and know my prayers are heard.
With in my soul his light has found a place,
It leads the way as I receive His grace.

The peace I feel, my joy in sacred things,
Surpasses all the world could ever bring.
With humble heart I take a valiant stand.
I will obey this gentle sweet command:

Learn of me and listen to my words,
Walk in the meekness of my light
And I shall give you peace,
My love will never cease,
For I am Jesus Christ.




What comforting words for a girl who is absolutely terrified about going out into the real world on her own next Monday...


I can't tell you how many times I have questioned my own strength...not in the gospel, but in myself. I think about having to go out on this new path of life where I will have to face the foes on my own and it scares me stiff. But this song gave me my answer. "Learn of me, and listen to my words. Walk in the meekness of my light and I shall give you peace, my love will never cease, for I am Jesus Christ."


I don't know why I'm so scared. I have a mom and a dad 45 minutes in one direction and a sister, a brother-in-law, 2 brothers, and a sister-in-law within an hour in the other direction...and I have a Heavenly Father with me at all times, and in all things, and in all places. I now know that I just need to take the advice given in Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths."

I will sincerely need Him on this new path I'm taking, but He will give me peace and His love will never cease, for He is Jesus Christ.

What is one of my favorite things EVER?

So, if you know anything about me you should know the answer to this question...
If you don't know the answer, I'm very disappointed in you! Honestly! Do you know me at all? Shamey shame...not really. For those of you who don't know, here is the answer. MUSIC!!! I seriously listen to music 24/7, just ask anyone in my family. If we sit down to play a game of cards, my iPod is out. My iPod is constantly having to be recharged because I listen to it so much. I love that thing :)
Anyway, so I was thinking a while ago about some things I could blog about (I know, thinking about things to blog about when I didn't even have a blog...that is the definition of not having a life) and I came up with the idea to do a church song every Sunday (or at least when I remember). There are so many church songs that I absolutely love that it was hard to narrow it down, but I finally did. It's not a hymn, but it's still amazing. I was on my way to work the other day when it came on my iPod. I had my iPod set to my Never Gets Old album (the one I use while I drive because I never have to skip a song. It's all of my absolute favorite songs.) There are only a few church songs in that playlist because most of them are really slow or I just don't know them well enough. This one is by Jericho Road and it's called Not Too Far From Here:

Somebody's down to their last dime
Somebody's running out of time
Not too far from here

Somebody's got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here

And I may not know their name
But I'm praying just the same 
That you'll use me Lord to wipe away a tear
Cause somebody's crying 
Not too far from here

Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here

Somebody's forgotten how to trust
Somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here

It may be a stranger's face
But I'm praying for your grace
That you'll move in me 
To take away that fear
Cause somebody's hurting
Not too far from here

Help me, Lord, not to turn away from pain
Help me not to rest while those around me weep
Give me your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life too steep

Now, I'm letting down my guard
And I'm opening my heart
Help me speak your love to every needful ear
Jesus is waiting
Not too far from here
Cause Jesus is waiting
Not too far from here

This is seriously one of my VERY favorite songs. It's got an absolutely fantastic message that I think we all need to listen to. I wish that all of us prayed for things like this. The world would be a better place, wouldn't it?

Oh, one more thing...today was my last testimony meeting at home. I bore my testimony for the very     last time to some of the people I love most in the world. I still can't believe it...not too long ago I was at Logan's graduation and thinking that I would never get to that point, but here I am. I move into my apartment on the 16th! I am really excited, but I'm still a little weary about this whole business. No matter how much I wish I could have just one more year at home, I know that I am moving on to bigger and better things. I just hope I have the strength and patience to get there.