Peace Like A River

As most of you know, serving an LDS mission, is not a piece of cake.  I recall the first couple of months in Mozambique and the challenges that I faced.  I felt like I was drowning and couldn't stay afloat.  This was particularly discouraging for me because I felt that I, as a missionary, should be on top of the world and not have to struggle emotionally.  I started listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's CD, Peace Like A River  as I studied my scriptures in the morning, and I found another "piece of peace" that helped me to overcome some hard times.  That song inspired me, and I really love this version by Ronald Staheli because it tells his own story of the pain that he felt at the death of his son, but then the peace that still flowed into his heart.

I testify that Christ's atonement is real, and that it is the true source of peace that we all yearn for.  I know that He died and suffered for us.  This often times helps to alleviate our pains because it is comforting to know that someone has already suffered everything that we have felt.  And yet, we still go through trials and tribulations, not out of punishment, but because Heavenly Father wants us to be able to go through even a tiny portion of what Christ went through as He suffered on the cross.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:17).
In this way, when we are crucified with Him (Romans 6:6), we are able to relate to Him and become more like Him.  I pray that despite our pains, we will be able to find pieces of peace to comfort us.

BYU Singers - Peace Like a River

The King Of Love My Shepherd Is

I haven't written in a while . . . school started again!  But I am working on a couple of pieces that I will be posting soon.  So I thought this song would be enjoyable until I could get my songs posted.
BYU choir is one of the best choirs in the world (in my opinion) and this a is a great song with a baritone solo by Shane Warby.  How often I have been gathered in His wings as He has tried to shepherd me into His fold.  I am grateful for a Heavenly Father that loves me, even when I am so hard to love.

BYU Singers - The King of Love My Shepherd Is (Wilberg)

How Can I Keep From Singing

The Bel Cantos choir from Madison High School sings this song every year.  And every year since I was a little boy, I wanted to sing this song with them.  The solos and intricate harmonies enchanted me and I felt like this song really defined a big part of me . . . just ask anyone that I've ever lived with and they will tell you that my singing is not only constant, but often times incessant.
But I don't think this song is really talking about literal singing.  I think it refers to the same scripture that I quoted as the title of this blog: "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me".  I think that this song is talking about anyone who has fallen to their knees in a moment of fear, or just maybe glanced upward with hopes that someone is watching.
What if my joys and comforts die
I know that truth is living
What though the darkness round me close
Still truth its light is giving
No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that rock I'm clinging
Since love is lord of Heaven and Earth
How can I keep from singing?
I have personally offered many prayers, and been able to also gain a calm assurance as is portrayed in this verse.  I know that God listens to me when I plead for help, and I know that my concerns also concern Him.  And no matter what happens around me, I am confident because I am built upon His rock.

How can I keep from singing

Pieces of Peace

This is a touching song composed by BYU-Idaho's very own Aaron Pike and performed by the Collegiate Singers of which I am a part.  We were proud to sing his song and even more proud to try to humbly show our gratitude for those who have fought and still continue to fight for our freedom.
Peace is an interesting ideal that is hard to understand.  A lady from my ward, Sister Lehman, once gave a talk that taught me a bit about the peace that comes from our Heavenly Father.  She explained that despite her trials, the Lord had allowed her to receive "pieces of peace" that had touched her in times of need.  I think that these pieces of peace are not the complete picture of what some envision as "world peace" or anything like it, but they are meant to bring comfort and hope to a struggling soul.  I hope that this song will be a piece of peace for someone, just like it has been for me.

"Peace" by Aaron Pike--BYU-Idaho Collegiate Singers

My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee

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