With Mine Own Hand

Since we're on the subject of music, rehearsals just started again for our musical "With Mine Own Hand." For about 20 years (as long as I've been alive) my parents have been working on this project. It started from an idea my dad had for a one man act about Nephi and has, through out the years, been turned into a full-scale musical. Nephi, is the first prophet of The Book of Mormon. The show depicts his life and his family's journey from Jerusalem to their arrival in the Promised Land.

My mother wrote the lyrics for the songs, and her best friend from childhood, Becky Alexander, composed the music. All the words that are spoken, are taken directly from The Book of Mormon. Last April, we hired Jay Richards to be our orchestrator. After 20 years, we finally performed it in a workshop setting last summer, here in Vancouver, WA.

Since then we have recorded a professional orchestra in Salt Lake City, a choir, and all the vocal leads to create a CD. We are now in the process of producing the show again, with about 50% of the same cast from last summer. We will be performing it this summer at Parkrose High School in Portland, OR and then a week later taking the whole thing to BYU's Education Week.

To learn more about the show, listen to music samples, watch a trailer, look at pictures, and check out Bios, visit our website at www.nephi-story.com.

I am grateful to be a part of this production. Every time I participate in any way, my testimony is strengthened. As we depict the stories, trials, and life of Nephi and his family my heart is full, and the people of The Book of Mormon move from being just characters to real people - for that is what they are. The Book of Mormon is a true account of actual people who once lived this earth and lived through the same experiences we go through today (love, family, faith, death, sin, forgiveness, war, life). It is all so real, and as I portray the people, my heart is filled with gratitude for them and I gain a stronger testimony of what they lived and worked for - the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Uplifting to the Heart and Soul

I just got home from singing in a concert. It was for Clark College's Concert Chorale, Women's Ensemble, and Skyview High School's Women's Ensemble. I am in Clark's Women's Ensemble, as well as Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Choir. (I know.. crazy! Lots of music to memorize) Our concert went well. We got some really good comments. I LOVE singing in the groups. My whole family eats, drinks, and sleeps music. I can hardly go anywhere with out singing. I am grateful for Clark's music program and those there who have taught me so much! I grow and am uplifted every time I sing with them, and it's a blast!! These are a few pictures of me singing in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble and performing my solo, "I Get Along Without You Very Well."

Music is important part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We sings hymns at almost every meeting we have. We encourage music, dance, art, etc. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a well know icon of the church. Music has a powerful way of affecting the soul. Some call it the universal language. I believe that. Music has a way of penetrating all hearts. Have you ever listened to the soundtrack of a movie? You can tell what's going on in the movie, without even watching it - just by listening to the music! Music can affect someones feelings and actions like nothing us. Therefore, there is degrading and depressing music. In the Church we are encouraged to listen to uplifting and wholesome music.

From the Church's website (ww.lds.org) it says: "The hymns of the Church are a key part of worship and invite the Spirit of the Lord. They can be especially helpful in controlling one's thoughts. In contrast, unwholesome, negative music can encourage inappropriate thoughts and behavior. As with other forms of media, Church members are encouraged to be careful in their choice of music."

And from The For the Strength of Youth (a booklet on the standards of the church):

"Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit.

"Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don't listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices"

I am grateful for these guidelines that help me choose appropriate music. By my own free will I choose to listen to good music. I love all sorts (Hymns, Classical, Country, Blue Grass, Soft Rock, etc. My favorite is Musical Theater). I know that when I listen to uplifting and beautiful music, I am happier, more peaceful, and kinder to those around me.