Sunday, December 08, 2013

          The First Presidency Christmas Devotional lived up to expectations and was a beautiful and uplifting part of our day.  What a blessing to us that we could tune in and watch it live on a laptop right in our apartment.  The messages will help us focus on what is most important as we celebrate our Savior’s birth.  We loved the video clips and music in Elder Nelson’s talk which will help us remember his words.  I hope you were all able to watch it.

          The music class is presenting a recital next Sunday afternoon and today was dress rehearsal.  There are about 40 numbers plus the “bells” choir.  Sister Cazier has worked very hard to include as many people as possible on the program.  The numbers are short and are provided mostly by those who have been taking the music class on Sundays and learning the basics of notes, time value, and conducting.  It was well organized and went pretty well.  Glade is singing in a quartet and I am playing a duet with Sister Starkey.

          The stake choir is still practicing for a stake Christmas program on December 22.  It is a lot of extra work to teach people to sing a part, like tenor or alto, when they have no music training and no music at home.  It means playing and singing their parts over and over and over until they can remember what they hear.  They are patient and unhurried and are sounding pretty good.  Of course there are some with training and good voices who help teach and carry their peers.

          I miss you all during this season, but am keeping my spirits up with a busy schedule.  There is lots of Christmas music on my laptop and it makes me happy.  Stay safe and happy and take care of each other!  Love to you—