TCATS #266 - Anniversary! + Odds/Ends

Five years ago, almost to the day (2/9/14), was my first Music & the Spoken Word broadcast. I remember the experience vividly--who I was sitting by, which row I was on, how I was feeling, and how excited I was. Just a clip from my blog on that day:  "What a rush singing with the choir today for Music and the Spoken Word! Can't quite describe all the feelings I was having. Nervous, humble, excited. . .and always wondering when the camera was coming my way (which apparently it did a few times). Overall, I was just grateful once again for being able to sing with this choir. I was praying the most that my testimony, fused with the music and lyrics of today's numbers, would touch someone's heart and inspire them to be just a little better."

*Interestingly enough, today's rehearsal before the broadcast will probably go down as one of the most frustrating for our dear director, Mack. Intonation issues, rhythm issues, placement issues...especially for one of the songs we were rehearsing, "Lovely Appear". However, it was very gratifying to see how happy Mack was after we performed that song on the broadcast. It must have gone very well because there was a smile on his face afterwards, along with a thumbs-up! 

*So on Thursday night for rehearsal, evidence of dress code changes for the women was easy to spot. Following the announcement that sister missionaries around the world could now wear dress pants/slacks, the presidency of the Choir decided to extend that same dress code change to the women of the choir (since, after all, those in the choir ARE called to be musical missionaries). Many of the women rejoiced at the change and several took a pic to commemorate the historical dress code modification.

*On Thursday, as well, President Jarrett told us that they wouldn't be able to tell us about our 2020 Tour destination in February, like had been previously announced. Not sure what's going on behind the scenes, but I suppose the announcement will be coming out soon. 

*With my son leaving on a mission just this past Wednesday, I'm a bit of an emotional mess. Up, down, and every which way. While choir this week was good, I'm grateful for my patient choir brethren who had to put up with a somber Ryan. Lots of trials going on right now, and I'm not sure how I feel about everything. But things are easier to get through with a good support system at home, with friends who reach out, and with a God who definitely looks at us as kids as kids worth bothering about.

Until next time, God be with you.