MTC Week #92 - The Spirit of God

The last two days have been very spirit-filled, uplifting, and peaceful. I just want to express my appreciation for being in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir which is the musical face of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A church that is led by living prophets and apostles; a church that is likened to a hospital, where members and non-members alike can come and work on being made whole; a church that has, at its foundation, the gospel of Jesus Christ--a gospel that does not change and is not influenced by the philosophies or practices or the opinions of men; a church that holds on to its values and doctrine and teachings, all of which bring real peace and hope to anyone and everyone who wants to step out of this dark world into a place of light and love.

Singing at General Conference twice a year is always a privilege. And this time was no different. What was different was being able to witness three new apostles being called to fill the vacancies in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It was a special experience to hear their testimonies today, and I certainly support them in the great work they are involved in--the work of loving and serving others.

Since this blog is about the MUSIC though, lets get to it!

The songs we sang for the three sessions of conference we were involved in, were

Press Forward, Saints 
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah 
I Know That My Savior Loves Me
Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer
Come, Come, Ye Saints
Arise, O God, and Shine 
Redeemer of Israel 
If the Savior Stood Beside Me 
There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today
The Spirit of God
Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice
Our God Is a God of Love
Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

Love One Another

Each of these songs contains a sermon of its own and I really enjoyed singing

them all. For me, for this conference, it was the "bigger", familiar numbers that seemed to affect me the most. Come, Come Ye Saints, Redeemer of Israel, and most especially, The Spirit of God.

I can honestly say, that in all my days of singing--which are quite a few--I've never been so affected by any song as I was with this one today. Yes, there have been songs that have caused me to inwardly weep and to deeply ponder. Particularly a few that we sang both at ACDA and on our most recent tour. This was different though. When we sang The Spirit of God, today, it was as if there were literally angels from the other side joining in with us. The whole experience left me trembling and emotional. 

When I got home to my family, and we were talking about the music at Conference, before I even mentioned that song, they mentioned it! I was glad that what I had felt was being felt by those listening. I asked another choir member what his experience with that song had been, and he, too, said it had been an amazing experience. 

So anyway, I'm grateful for all of the songs we sang today and hope that all who listened were uplifted and strengthened. That is our mission. That is our calling. And I always pray for that to happen.

And now, I'm off to bed. I'm beyond tired. Thanks for reading. And until next time, God be with you!