The Song of the Righteous

Peace Like A River

2012-01-29T14:09:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-29T13:55:00.000-08:00

The King Of Love My Shepherd Is

2012-01-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

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)

2012-01-15T18:43:00.000-08:00

How Can I Keep From Singing

2011-12-31T21:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-31T20:56:00.000-08:00

Pieces of Peace

2011-12-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee

2011-12-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

Arthur Rubinstein - Evard Grieg: Piano Concerto in A min. - London Symph...

2011-12-26T19:44:00.000-08:00

Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis

2011-12-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

It passes all my understanding

2011-12-25T20:35:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the omniscience and omnipotence of God. After all, He has created and done soooo many things. How could He possible know and love me? But I know that Satan tries to make me feel this way so that I will forget to trust in Him. So I say with Nephi, "I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." I don't have to know everything about Him to know that He lives and that He loves me. He exists in everything around me, and He protects and guides me individually. I know that He does this for each of us!

It passes all my understanding

2011-12-25T20:11:00.000-08:00

Lux Aurumque - The Concordia Choir

2011-12-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

Messiah - And he shall purify - Choir of King's College

2011-12-25T16:36:00.001-08:00

Handel's Messiah "And he shall purify" Choir of King's College

2011-12-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

This past semester at BYU-Idaho, I had the opportunity to perform the Messiah for the first time. I always knew that it was a spiritual work, but I didn't realize how touching it would be to other people until I spoke to people after the first night that we performed. Some were brought to tears by the power that was brought by a piece of music written and performed completely for His glory. So I would like to share my favorite chorus part.

Through Heaven's Eyes - Brian Stokes Mitchell - Mormon Tabernacle Choir

2011-12-25T15:48:00.000-08:00

Through Heaven's Eyes

2011-12-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody. I love music and I love the way that it makes me feel closer to God and His son, Jesus Christ. And I have been blessed to associate with many talented people who also love music. So I would like to start this blog as a simple way for people of all religious backgrounds (or lack there-of) to share music in whatever way that it touches them.

So I will start with a song that touched my heart today. I was listening to Christmas music today . . . seeing as today is Christmas and I ran into a video of Brian Stokes Mitchell and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing this great song from the animated film "The Prince of Egypt". I love this song because it reflects the truth that our Heavenly Father really does love each of us, no matter what our stature.