Renaissance Men and Women

Had a really good guest lecturer in my songwriting class today. He talked about some recent successes he had in pursuing some songwriting projects that he has been working on for years. This lecture was very inspiring for me because he was a guy who worked a 9-5 job and pursued his passion after work. I have often thought about being that kind of guy in perhaps the next 5-10 years.

I have determined that I may not have a life in music, but I will definitely have music in my life. I am grateful for the people I have worked with and met who are dedicated spouses/parents and/or outstanding full-time workers, and yet are excellent in their other pursuits. It may be in music or in writing or in any number of artistic pursuits. I am grateful for them, because I hope to grow up to be that way as well. I hope to be someone who focuses their life on the most important things, and also creates great contributions to serve and inspire others. You might call such people Renaissance men and women.

Made It! Two 7:30 Performances

So today, I was scheduled to perform in two shows. One was an a cappella concert and the other was a songwriter showcase for my songwriting class. Both performances began at 7:30pm. ...Yeah, it was an interesting night...

For the past week I've been talking with people to try to arrange things to make everything work. I tried to do impossible math, like whether an a cappella group with a three-song set that performs after two other groups with three-song sets would be singing before or after a couple dozen one-song acts in a building that is a three-minute run away. Gosh, it stressed me out! I worked it over and over in my head, and switched things around and back again. I prayed for help, as well. More than anything, I needed to keep calm, and deep down I truly felt all along that everything would work out. It didn't stop me from worrying though.

My a cappella group sang, and I ran to my other concert with four one-song acts to spare. I had so much fun performing in both concerts. The amazing thing was that I really could have left both performance orders the way they were and it would work out. I truly didn't have to worry and fuss over it nearly as much as I did. Everything worked out, and I thanked God for it.

Now, I'm sure that everything could have worked out even if I didn't pray to God for help. But, I truly believe that all good things come from God, and tonight's successes were certainly good things. I am grateful that everything worked out with my two 7:30pm concerts today.

P.S.--One of the songs I performed tonight was one I wrote, expressing my thoughts and feelings about America and the 2016 elections here. People seemed to really enjoy the song, so I think it's worth sharing. Here it is.

Getting It All Done, But Still Forget Something

I have a lot going on this week. It will get better when I survive these next couple of days. In any case, my schedule got pretty full today, but when I finally got back to my apartment I was feeling pretty good about the day. I had even accomplished several things I almost forgot to do, and I got it all done! I felt I deserved some down time.

During this down time, I looked at the clock and realized something: I had completely missed a teaching appointment! I had arranged to make a visit at a certain time tonight, and over 90 minutes later I remember it...ugh...

I will figure it out, though. It's not the end of the world. It's so easy to believe that something is, and yet the world continues.

I am grateful for all I accomplished today, and for the reminder that I am still not perfect.

Am I Drifting?

I wondered that these past couple of days. I had a hard time focusing in church yesterday. I was feeling really stressed and so behind on internal and external obligations. I felt I have been slacking on my church duties, as well as my school work. I haven't felt much of a desire to make new friends. I wondered if I was drifting from God. I wondered if I was becoming more hardened against His influence because I keep focusing on other needs or wants that aren't as important.

I was reminded today that I am never out of God's reach or influence, as long as I have even a sliver of a desire to come unto Him for love, support, and guidance. My home teachers visited me in my apartment and taught me a short spiritual lesson. It was really more of a discussion, and it was very encouraging and uplifting. I felt God's love for me and for those around me. I felt closer to God, and felt that, overall, I was doing well. I felt peace, and at peace.

I am grateful that I am drifting towards God, not away from Him. I think drifting is a good word for this because when you're making that lifetime pursuit to be better, to be God-like, you never notice the progress you make from day to day. It is slow going, but it is going. :)

Happy Easter 2016!

Because Jesus Christ lives, we all shall live after death. We will all see Jesus Christ again when we are brought before His judgement seat. Because Jesus Christ suffered every sin, sorrow, affliction, and pain, He can strengthen us and empower us to eventually become perfect as He is.

This Easter Sunday, I feel like I really lived today. I attended church with immediate and extended family, I ate a lot of goodies, and I got to spend the entire day, from 8am to midnight, spending time with people I appreciate and truly love.

I am grateful for a lively and lovely Easter Sunday. :)

Eight-Year-Old's Baptism

I have been a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints for 17 years, since my baptism on my 8th birthday. Today, I got to attend an 8-year-old's baptism, and it brought me back to my own baptism. It was a special service, and it was wonderful to be there with people I love. I know baptism is a commandment of God. That's why I went through it myself. That's why I spent two years of my life inviting people to experience baptism. That's why I truly believe that the baptism I witnessed today was a significant and wonderful moment in that young person's life.

I am grateful for a baptismal service, and the loved ones I saw and talked with there.

A True Easter Egg

People can use the term "Easter egg" to refer to something hidden in a movie or a book to delight those who are clever or lucky enough to find it. Well, I found a true Easter egg.

While walking back from campus to my apartment, I found a plastic Easter egg in a bush by the sidewalk. Naturally, I picked it up, and I found a piece of paper inside. The paper said this:

"My darling, as the days of our time together grows shorter, I feel prompted to remind you of my love. Finals are coming, and I will lose you for the Summer. You can do well on anything you try. Good luck!

Love, [name of university]"

That made me smile and laugh. What a sweet message from "my university"! Somewhere out there is a student who is trying to do good, to cheer people up in a very busy time in the semester. I never thought I would get such a sweet message of love from my campus! It was even written with a purple marker, which made it even more delightful.

I put the note back in the Easter egg and returned the egg to its original hiding place to brighten another person's day.

I am grateful for a true Easter egg in the form of an anonymous message of encouragement and love.

When a Game Gets Frustrating

While playing a game with friends this evening, things were not working for me at all. Because of certain conditions in the game, I was the weakest member of my team. I was becoming emotionally invested in our success in the game and I felt really frustrated that I couldn't help very much. Several other players were feeling the same way. It was nobody's fault. We were all playing by the same rules. We all enforced the rules. We were all playing the game, and we all really enjoy the game. It's just that this one time it was hard.

In the end, we were successful. We made it through with what we had. Of course, it was really just a game, but it was an eventful game with friends. These situations often seem to simulate life, and the people you play with become closer friends because you battled it out together. If it were just myself, it wouldn't really have been worth it. Today, I am grateful for frustrating games with friends.

Easter Reminders

It is so easy to be focused on things that matter less, and for me today was no exception. I took care of some great things, such as a job interview and an a cappella rehearsal. But, recently I have been made aware that Easter is coming up. I haven't been thinking about that at all. That actually matters because I believe Easter is a day to celebrate and remember the fulfillment of Jesus Christ's sacrifice for all mankind when He overcame death.

If I'm not careful, I can let the weekend go by without acknowledging Easter at all, and I would regret it once I realize I missed it. For these reasons, I am grateful for my wonderful friends who have been posting videos and words about Easter on social media. All of that is a great reminder to me of what matters most.

Inspired Translations

This evening, I attended a presentation about the translation of The Book of Mormon into different languages. I learned a little more about how it was translated into Welsh, Japanese, Arabic, ASL, Estonian, and other languages. I myself have a Navajo copy of The Book of Mormon, as well as a French copy. I can understand what a tall order it must be to take such an inspiring and edifying text and create an adequate translation. God cares about how truth is shared with all His children, and it is clear that He inspired the men and women who worked on Book of Mormon translations. I am grateful for the inspired translations of The Book of Mormon into the languages of the world.

Provo City Center Temple

Another temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated today: the Provo City Center Temple. I have heard a lot about this building, how it used to be the Provo tabernacle until it was burned in 2010. Out of the ashes of that disaster comes this beautiful edifice. It is a lovely reminder of the true principle of rebirth and repentance.

I am grateful for the Provo City Center Temple.
(Photo courtesy lds.org)

Buses and Trains

So, I had completely forgotten that if I buy a train ticket I can ride the bus with that ticket (before an expiration time)! Why haven't I availed myself of this before!? I've walked to and from the train station or got a ride! Wow, the more you know, I guess. I am very grateful for local bus and train systems.

Creme Brulee

I had some creme brulee at a nice restaurant tonight. This dish is delicious wherever you find it, but this was especially good. What other classy dessert requires a small torch to make? Also, for some reason it always reminds me of that one basketball player in High School Musical who baked creme brulee. I am grateful for creme brulee.

Thrift Store Games

It should be obvious to many people who know me that I love board games, card games, any games I can play and enjoy with family and friends. My family discovered a couple of games they never heard of before at a thrift store. They bought them and we tried them out. The games turned out to be a lot of fun, and they were dirt cheap! I am grateful for games bought from a thrift store. Like many other things in such places, you never know when you might find a hidden gem of a game or other item.

Midcentury Game Shows

While hanging out with my family, we came across a TV channel that showed reruns of game shows from the 1950s and 60s. We caught half an episode of "Let's Make A Deal," and two full episodes of TattleTales. It was fun to see those game shows because it felt like watching entertainment from a different world, indeed, a different America. TattleTales was especially fun. The rules were very simple, and the prize money didn't go to the celebrity couples that completed but it was evenly distributed among certain sections of the audience. The style and the energy we saw in those shows was delightful. Rather refreshing, actually, compared to the extra-flashy "Deal or No Deal" and other shows. I am grateful for midcentury game shows.

Job Offer

Got an interview and a job offer, and for some reason it made me very stressed today. I talked about it with people I love and trust, and I have a lot to think about. However, I am grateful I got a job offer in the first place. As challenging as the entire job hunting process is, I recognize that a little success in that process is a blessing.

Family, Together

For the first time in nearly two years, my entire family was together today. It felt like heaven, especially since that's where we hope to be together eventually. :) It has been so long since I laughed so hard, too. I am grateful to have my family together today!

Church Choir

I have participated in a number of church choir numbers over the years. Many of them were wonderful experiences. Today's choir performance was incredibly moving and beautiful. I sang the tenor part for an arrangement of "I Believe in Christ." The choir director placed great emphasis on sharing our testimonies of Christ through the music, and that, plus her leadership, was what made the difference.

When I sang from my heart, I truly felt that my belief in Jesus Christ became stronger. These beliefs were reinforced and confirmed in my heart and in my mind by the Holy Spirit. For me, the musical number was one of the great highlights of the meeting today. I am grateful that I could sing in one of the most beautiful and edifying church musical numbers I've ever heard or participated in.

First Time Playing

I like board games a lot, and if there's a game I really like to play with people, I like to share it. So, I enjoy teaching people how to play my favorite games. I got to do that today and we played games for a few hours on end. It was a great time. I am grateful for opportunities to share and great games and teach others how to play them.

Vending Machine: Beating the System

I needed to do a small load of laundry today, and I realized I had no quarters...

But, for some reason, I had over a dozen dollar coins. I decided to try my luck with the vending machines (sometimes it feels like a bit of a gamble using vending machines), in the laundry room. One of the machines had soda for fifty cents. Perfect! I bought two sodas with a dollar coin each, and I got four quarters in return, exactly the amount I needed!

But that wasn't all! I ordered a root beer, and then a Fanta. The Fanta displayed on the machine was orange, so imagine my delight when it spit out a grape-flavored soda! I like grape flavor more than orange flavor! That made my day even better. I felt like I was "beating the system" several times over.

I am grateful for some fun and rather fortunate adventures with a vending machine today.

An Encouraging Season

It was such a nice day outside! As much as I love fall and winter, spring is such an invigorating and encouraging season! Even better, it still gets cool enough in the mornings and evenings to justify a coat or a jacket. I am grateful for today's weather. It led to positive, encouraging thoughts and attitudes for me today.

Schedule-Shuffling, with Fellow Students

This week I have had some crazy things happen with my schedule that affected five different committments (I counted: work, dance competition, game night with friends, a cappella rehearsal, and a date). And, miraculously, I'm able to make everything work! I did some schedule-shuffling in my head and send text updates to different people as needed. I don't think this would come so easily if I weren't surrounded by people in similar situations, namely, college students. Those fellow students were quite understanding, and we've all been able to work things out, especially as we've tried to keep first things first.

Of course, this means the last half of this week will be rather abnormal for me, due to all this shuffling around of time and commitments, but it won't be any busier than most of my fellow peers.

I am grateful to be able to work out multiple scheduling issues with understanding peers.

Spending Time with My Brother

When my brother got married, I wondered if I would see much of him anymore, even if we were on the same campus. Well, this semester we've found ways to see each other and spend time together. I am grateful for that. :)

Late, But It's Okay

I was really late for my first class this morning because I woke up much later than normal. The class was a dance class, but still, attendance is important. But, I got myself ready and arrived in class about 15 minutes after it started. I am surrounded by hard-working, conscientious people on campus, and I also care about punctuality, so I often feel very frustrated in such circumstances.

But, the world didn't end. I just walked into the room and jumped right in to the rest of the class instruction. My day went on just fine. I am grateful that the world didn't end when I was late for class today. :)

An Encouraging Lyric

I'm involved in a local church choir, which rehearses on Sunday afternoons. We are singing an arrangement of a hymn that is very well-known among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The words were written by Bruce R. McConkie. As we rehearsed the song, I noticed something about one of the lines. It was tremendously hopeful. I, and millions of others in the world, have been singing this hymn for years and it wasn't until now that I noticed this.

The words are:

"And I shall live with joy and love in his eternal courts above."

This is similar to a verse near the end of the Book of Mormon: Moroni 7:41. I notice the certain conviction implied in the use of I shall and ye shall. I think there are too many people who are in doubt as to whether they will actually make it to heaven, whether they will ever measure up to the perfect standards set by Jesus Christ. More and more I am realizing that it is that very same perfect being that makes it possible for us to come home to God at all. God and Jesus Christ don't want us to live lives of worry and disappointment, They created us to have joy! It is possible for each of us to live with God and our loved ones again! Bruce R. McConkie believed that, and we should too.

I am grateful for an exceptionally hopeful and encouraging hymn lyric.

A Disciple's Tears

I was at a Church-related function today when I heard someone talk about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind, especially the pains He went through for each one of us. As I watched the man standing in front of all of us, I realized he was tearing up. It was so touching. I realized I didn't share the same depth of emotion that he did about the Savior, and that led me to think more about my own testimony of Jesus Christ. From one follower, or disciple, of Christ to another, the love of God was shared.

I am grateful for that moment, seeing another follower of Jesus Christ express deep emotions about the only perfect man who lived on earth.

"If You're Nervous, Good!"

A high school teacher once said this, explaining that nervousness before an event or performance shows that you care about the outcome. A college graduate feeling apprehensive about a job interview, a high school thespian trembles before going on stage to begin a show, a couple (one of the lovers, or both) feels nervous as they take a step forward in a relationship. In any of these situations and many more, the person cares about what's going to result from their humble efforts. I am grateful for nervousness. Before many of the best things of my life occurred, I was nervous, but I stepped forward anyway and have been blessed in tremendous abundance.

The Support of Friends, Even When I Didn't Ask For Them

Worked on a paper tonight. I felt so tired I decided to take a 30-minute nap right there by the computer. My phone alarm went off 30 minutes later and I wake up to discover a friend of mine at the next computer over! That was a pleasant surprise! I saw several other friends walk by my computer station. I felt like I had the support I needed to make the tremendous progress I made on that paper tonight.

I am grateful to have been surrounded by friends while working on a challenging assignment.

Appreciated Work

This is a challenging week for me. It's the middle of the semester and things are piling up. Even so, sometimes it's hard for me to be motivated to do my best work. But today, I received a letter from my supervisor at work. The letter was about a nomination for a student employee award. I was speechless. I felt that I almost didn't deserve such recognition. But in the end, it motivated me to continue to be the best library assistant I could be. I didn't realize that the work I did was so appreciated.

Private appreciation, like a letter or a note, means more to me than public appreciation, like some sort of award. I am grateful to know my work is appreciated by my supervisor. It made my day and got me thinking more deeply about my career goals for after my college graduation.

Hens

I expressed gratitude for quails a little bit ago. Today I'm grateful for hens, for similar reasons. Walking to campus this evening, I saw a flock of eight hens on a suburban sidewalk. I have no idea where they came from, what they were doing there, or where they were going, but they brought a smile to my face. :)