When I was 20 years old I participated in a musical called, Women at the Well. I sang a song about when the Savior came to visit the people on the American continent as recorded in the Book of Mormon. Amazingly enough, this was the first time I realized that was the reason that the Book of Mormon was such an amazing and important book. I had gone my entire church life without fully understanding that concept. Along with this song was a scripture reference which referred me to 3rd Nephi I read it and I was overwhelmed with a feeling of great joy and astonishment. I gained my personal testimony of the Savior and the importance of the Book of Mormon. It truly "changed my life forever" as words describe in the song. When I got up to sing on this nights performance it was truly amazing for me. I was staring into a very bright spotlight - that was all I could see, amazing light. I felt the spirit SO strong as I sang I could have burst at the seams. I believe that music is one of the most powerful ways to feel the spirit. It can pierce you to the very soul. I felt it that night. I remember it still, in a very powerful way. I am so grateful for music and its influence in my life.
I can also remember a time when my brother sang at a school function. He chose to sing, Oh Lord my Redeemer. I remember watching him as he sang and it was as if he were physically surrounded by the Spirit. He was literally "glowing" as he shared his testimony, with those not of our faith, through song. It was also an amazing experience, a powerful witness of the spirit of God through music. I remember it to this day.
I love music. I love the power of it. It lifts my heart to new heights of joy. I hope it does the same for you!
I do apologize for the quality of the video. It is video of video and that never works! Hang in there it does get better towards the end . . .
Thank you for 'magnifying' yourself Mari. I felt the Spirit as you sang and tears filled my eyes as I remembered watching you that night your bore your testimony through music to our stake in Anchorage. I am so grateful I was able to be there and watch you perform at Women at the Well. I was so proud of you then and still am. When I saw you up there on stage that night, I just couldn't believe my little sister had such courage to sing solo and pour her heart and soul out to the world. I was trembling with tears that night you performed...tears of understanding, joy and gratitude for you and your witness of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that I have such strong family members that are willing to stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ at all times, and in all things and in all places. It is time to stand and tell the world that he came for them. Well done sister!
ReplyDeleteI love you.
your sister,
Kary
PS. great costume Mom. you're amazing! None of us could have performed without your encouragement and hours of practice. Thanks for making music such a huge part of our lives Mom. We love you for that...and for many other great things you do too. : )
Kary,
ReplyDeleteI can remember being young and watching you get up in church to sing. I would watch and learn and hope that someday, I too would be able to sing! I would practice for hours upon hours in my room with a karaoke machine(I still have the tapes!) I loved (and still love) hearing you sing. You have a special voice that speaks to people's spirits. A true gift - don't forget to use it!
I too am so grateful for mom who brought music into our home. Thinking back on my childhood, those many times around the piano are some of my favorite memories. Thanks mom for being so great and for teaching us all the power of music!
Dad, Oh Dad, how I LOVE you! You always cheered for us, you would listen and request more. You always had mood music playing in the background of dinner and parties and every good time. I appreciate your love of music as much as I appreciate mom's music ability. You worked hand in hand and created a wonderful and musical life for us all. Thank you!
Lots of love!
Mari
You are both beautiful and talented! A tribute to both of your awesome parents!! I love to hear both of you sing and it is one of the things that I miss the most about AK.
ReplyDeleteWomen at the Well, was an amazing production. You and Emily were so blessed to be a part of it, and all of us in the Stake who were able to go watch it. The Spirit was so strong and I know that many lives were touched by it.
Thanks for sharing your video on your blog. The Spirit came through as I was listening. Though the production was years ago, the Spirit within it is fresh and strong!!
Keep singing girls! Music holds so much of the Spirit and it speaks freely to those who truly listen!!
Lots of love!!
Cheryl
love you Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteMany joyful moments have come from singing. My joyful moment of the day is when I was playing "love at home" on the piano for FHE and Stephen played the piano w/ me and said "love" (well, that's what is sounded like anyway. : )
keep creating joy! The apostles told us to rejoice! So, let's do it!
hugs to you Cheryl!
Kary
Wow, Mari! You have a beautiful voice! I love it! I wish I could have heard you sing in person when we lived in Spokane. Don't hide that talent!
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have sang in Spokane more too. It was such a focused time for our family, everything else kind of fell by the wayside.
ReplyDeleteWe are so happy to be here for awhile in a very stable ward. I do plan to sing more often. I am looking forward to finding someone to play the piano for me - that is always the trick! :-)
I wish I could play for you!
ReplyDeleteI love you all so much. I listened to the music and read all of your testimony and the other comments and my heart filled with joy (and of course, tears filled my eyes). Thanks to our Heavenly Father for "the music that is in us". PS to Mari, your testimony will work perfectly with the lesson. Thank you. I will talk to you later. It is 11:30 pm, we just got home, good night.
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