Another experience, another door

So, I am always praying for more opportunities that can enhance my music experience. The Lord sure does answer prayers. 

Over the past three days, I have gotten to know William Joseph, a well-known LDS contemporary pianist. I had seen posters all over campus that he was coming to BYU-Idaho to perform with the Teton Chamber Orchestra. I bought tickets about a week before to attend the concert. A few days later, I received an email saying that the orchestra was short on violinists and could use an extra player during the concert. I replied immediately, seizing the opportunity. The conductor emailed me the sheet music, which printed about probably over one hundred pages of music. At first I felt a little overwhelmed, but luckily all of the music was pretty straightforward. 

On Thursday night, I had a symphony orchestra concert, so I missed the first rehearsal for WJ's concert. After I finished, though, I walked over to the auditorium where rehearsal was being held, just in case the rehearsal wasn't over yet. They had just finished, but I introduced myself to the conductor and then to William Joseph himself. I felt very welcomed. I thanked them for the opportunity and told William about my goals and dreams as a violinist and invited to him to listen to my CD, which I gave to him the next day. 

The following morning, William came to the music building to talk about his career and to answer questions we had for him. For those of you who don't know much about him, he started piano at age 4 (similar to me). He heard piano music on his favorite tv show and ran and grabbed a toy keyboard and started playing the theme song along with the show. His parents decided to get him lessons. He was classically trained for about sixteen years. I can't remember all the specific details, unfortunately. In 2003 when he was playing at a charity event, he just happened to bump into David Foster (producer/composer with I believe 17 Grammy awards?), who heard him play. He ended up working with Foster and creating some albums and his career went from there. I flipped out when I realized he toured with Josh Groban on his Closer Tour. (omgomgomgomgomg)

Anyways, William also served an LDS mission in Australia, where he also had many performing opportunities (which also created missionary opportunities!). He is still active in the church and has a wife (one wife, not five) and two sons and a daughter. What I respect a lot about him is that he has had huge opportunities where he could have made a lot of profit, but those opportunities did not fit his morals. For instance, he was supposed to compose the music for Desperate Housewives, but he turned it down for the sake of being a good influence on his young kids. (Sorry, nothing against the show, but it ain't exactly kid friendly). 

William talked a lot to us about how the modern music world works and all the politics involved, as well as some composition and practice tips. He also mentioned that he was offering a composition/songwriting masterclass on Saturday morning. I definitely signed up for that.
When he was done talking to us, I walked up to him and handed him my CD. He complimented me on the neat album cover and title, "Sounds of GUTH," (Thank you, Sister Morales for you amazing photography skills!) and seemed eager to listen to it. 

I saw WJ again at rehearsal that afternoon and then obviously at the concert that night. The concert was spectacular. He is a heck of a lot more talented than I thought. He was great at talking with and involving the audience, and put his heart and soul into his music. He even laid down on the piano bench backwards and switched his hands and played completely upside down, without error. That blew my mind. That was NOT rehearsed. 

 This was my view during the rehearsal and concert!

...someday I'll be in that chick's position. (I shouldn't call her "chick," I apologize. She was very talented and very nice)

Post concert photo before the paparazzi craze

Saturday morning had to be the best. I brought my violin and composition/song ideas to him and got to have a one-on-one session with him. The time was supposed to be divided between however many people showed up. Well, for the first hour, I was the only one who showed up. The first thing he said to me was that he listened to my CD, and he really liked it. (AHH!) One other guy showed up later, but it was still a mostly private class. He gave incredible insight. And, his insight is basically coming from David Foster, since that's who coached him on his compositions. For four hours (yes, from 9am-1pm), we were zoned into songwriting and developing main themes and creating changes in the structure of music while still keeping the basic pattern. He gave me so much inspiration on my current unfinished songs. Later, I got my violin out and played my arrangement of I Know That My Redeemer Lives/I Am A Child Of God. He really liked it, and told me I had a lot of talent and potential (I almost cried), and then gave me more of his ideas on how to improve the arrangement. He even jumped in on the piano and gave the song a "firmer foundation." (only LDS people will understand the pun I just purposefully intended.)

To wrap up things, he promised to stay in touch and offered Skype lessons. He talked a little bit about his family and kids and showed me pictures of them. It's amazing how big of a deal this guy actually is, but he is a normal righteous man with a family to support. I am SO, so grateful and blessed that I got to not only perform with, but also learn from this amazing pianist virtuoso. I pray that this experience becomes a bridge to even more wonderful opportunities. 

I kind of stole this from a stranger on Facebook, but you can barely see me on the left! :D

All smiles after an inspirational master class with William Joseph

Sorry it's been so long!

As most of y'all know, I had a great year last year. . . lots of blessings in my life in 2013 for sure. This year has barely started, but it is pretty dang packed and stressful. I definitely have my doubts on a daily basis.
Weather doesn't exactly help either. For those of not living in Rexburg or the general area, it is COOOOLD. Like, deathly cold. I am really craving some warm weather, that's for sure.
However, the people here are so friendly and supportive. I have made many lifelong friends.

I have the opportunity to ski at Grand Targhee Ski Resort every Saturday. It is definitely the relief to my week! It's nice to get out of town and ski my worries away sometimes. 

Grand Targhee, errbody. 

So Grand Targhee Ski Resort was SUPER foggy and powdery last Saturday. Like, blinding white. You literally could not see anything in front of you and it was windy and it really threw off our depth perception. So I got stuck a lot in powder, but I eventually got out usually. This one time though, I didn't see a bump coming and I fell face first into a bunch of powder, and I was all tangled up and literally couldn't tell what direction I was facing and I couldn't breathe because there was so much snow against my whole face. I can't even explain how I stuck I felt. It was so scary. I was probably only stuck for a minute but it felt like forever, and then I felt someone pull on my leg and they completely pulled me out of the snow, like with ONE hand. When I finally could see and breathe, I didn't see anyone, like at all. It makes no sense and I sound like a lunatic but someone or something basically saved my life and they did it in one swift motion. It's so unreal. I honestly feel like an angel saved me. If I had been under that powder any longer I probably would have lost consciousness.

Anyways, I am a witness of a miracle and I am grateful that I am not dead!! Yet. 

In other news, I was recently interviewed on BYUI Radio about the composer Paganini and I performed an excerpt from his caprice no. 24. (The post popular and overplayed one) This will be aired on February 17th, 2014. It was a neat experience! I'm trying to seize any cool opportunity I can grab my hands on. This time of my life is definitely no time to waste!

I am so determined for this to be a great year, just like last year. Great years and success are required to come with trials and doubts. It's the doubts we have and the mistakes we make that help us grow. I have definitely learned to understand that concept intimately. There are times when I know exactly why I am having a problem, so I can plan out how to fix it. Most of the time, though, I have no idea what the heck is wrong with me and I don't understand why I'm having whatever the issue is, and it's just a sucky feeling. I just have to have faith that it'll all work out as long as I keep doing all the right things consistently. Plus, I have realized that thinking about my problems all the time does not solve them. I do need to rely on God and trust that He will help me through things. I can't do everything on my own, even though I think I can sometimes. 

And, when in doubt, just wear a cow suit. 

God bless all y'all!

I'm late, but I AM grateful!

This is kind of a late thanksgiving post. That's how crazy busy life has been lately! However, I had a great thanksgiving.

I spent thanksgiving this year with my cousin Megan in Pocatello, ID. I'm so thankful to be loved by them and that they always welcome me to their lovely cozy home. I was SO ready to get out of my apartment! It's those little things such as nicer facilities that I REALLY miss and appreciate. I took a legitimate bubble bath twice while I was there and I think it was one of the most pleasurable things ever. I got to go see Catching Fire (again), which was super fun. And, of course, watching Snoopy movies on the comfy couch with Taylor, Ashton, and peri, was probably my favorite. The simple PEANUTS cartoons make me feel so happy and make me thankful for the cute, little things in life. 

I am thankful for the amazing HUGE thanksgiving meal I had. I think this is the fullest thanksgiving I've experienced. I could NOT stop eating! When I woke up on Friday morning I was STILL full. 

After hearing some amazing, traumatic stories from a man who served an lds mission on the Ivory Coast, I really don't think I will ever complain again. I'm grateful for the mostly safe town of Fort Worth, my home, and the safer town of rexburg, Idaho. 

Overall, I'm grateful for family, food, shelter, and my savior Jesus Christ! Cheesy but true. 

Aaaand now it's Christmas season! Happiest time of year for me!! I love everything about Christmas. I am so excite and thankful to go home. I did not think I would get homesick here but I definitely did. I miss Texas and everyone in it. I hope that ice storm goes away before I get there, though!

In the meantime, our baroque ensemble got to do a day tour in Utah and we got to walk around Temple square. This was my first time ever in temple square and oh man, it is BEAUTIFUL! And we didn't even see the Christmas lights since it was daytime. But, just look how breathtaking that Salt Lake Temple is!! It is a castle. I felt so much peace around it.

My first semester of college is coming to an end. I must say it has been an incredible one. Well I still have finals so hopefully I don't completely bomb those and ruin my GPA, but I think I will be okay. 
I have never met so many incredible people in such a short time, and I know I am making lifelong friendships. 

By the way, Rexburg has finally his the negative degree weather. It is INSANE. I have never lived in this much snow. My dear friend Alex and I decided to embrace the snow one day and Pixar-ize all the cars in a parking lot, and we made a snow shark! I do love snow, hehe. Ski weather has arrived!

OMG IT SMELLS LIKE CHRISTMAS AND I HEAR THE MUSIC EVERYWHERE AND I JUST LOVE THE SPIRIT AKDFGJHALDKFJGHALDKJFGHALDKFJGHALDKFJGHADLKFHGADJFKG. 

happiness galoooore

Adventure Groban: Mission POSSIBLE

BEST. NIGHT. EVER. 

Here are the series if events of October 2nd, 2013. BEST day of the year so far:

Macie and I left Rexburg for Boise via salt lake express bus. We almost missed it! What an adventure haha! The ride was long but a beautiful scenic drive. Macie socialized with some Chinese people where we learned how to say Guthrie in Chinese, and later we met a kind LDS woman named Pam who was also attending the Josh Groban concert. 

We met my aunt Debbie and uncle Jim at Boise airport and they dropped me off at Taco Bell arena. In case y'all didn't know already, I won a Meet and greet with josh. I was SO excited. I had to be there an hour early. I got my tickets and VIP pass for the meet and greet at the will call office. They did NOT let me bring in my violin, which I was gonna have Groban autograph. I was so disappointed! I guess a bow can stab someone. They kept it safe in the security office for me though. Don't worry, though. It gets better.

There were actually lots of winners for meet and greet. Some were from the FOJG fan club, like me, and some others won through radio and stuff. Before meeting josh, a professional photographer person interviewed me about my love for Josh's music and excitement for this "in the round" concert. It may be posted on the fan club page or on Josh's YouTube soon! 

The actual meet and greet was brief, but it went smoothly! Since he couldn't autograph my violin case, he signed my violin arm (never washing it again) and I gave him a copy of my cd along with my twitter name. Hehe. 

Our conversation:

"hi I'm Crista! I am your future violinist!

J: Sweet! I'm pumped! 

C: (Hands him cd) Here's my cd. I did my own version of Brave so you should check it out. 

J: Wow! Really! yeah I'll listen to it on the bus! (And he's serious!)

C: Awesome! Will you sign my violin arm?

J: Of course. You're not gonna tattoo it are you?

C: Well isn't that what you're doing? I mean it's a Sharpie. 

(Takes photo)

C: Look for my poster! Thank you!

Thank YOU!"

He's so CHILL. 

Yup. He's awesome. I actually cried afterwards I was so happy. (Fan girl mode) The concert hadn't even started yet! I met up with my roommate Macie and we found our seats. Floor 8 BB. That's SECOND row. We were in spitting distance. Amazing. I had my poster ready: Josh~MAY I BE YOUR VIOLINIST? Bright neon yellow, glitter glue. Can't miss it! 

Before josh, Judith Hill from the Voice sang. She's also AMAZING. She used to be Michael Jackson's back up singer! She also did The Prayer with josh in the concert. 

Many times through the concert, josh would come around to our side and he totally gave me the head nod to my poster, basically answering "hey, yeah! I remember you!"  Basically saying yes to the question on my poster. And, later when both he and Christian Hebel his solo violinist came to our area, josh POINTED at me and to Christian, basically hiring me and firing him right there haha! It was hilariously amazing. Christian walked by me many times and nodded with a "heck yeah!" grin as he played. He's an incredible violinist. 

Not only is josh an amazing singer in all sorts of languages, he has the best sense of humor. If you don't follow him on twitter yet DO IT. Don't have a twitter? Make one and follow him. He is absolutely hilarious. He interacts with his fans so well. 

After the concert I got many comments and "good luck, hope to see you on stage with him!" comments on my poster. Such supportive fans! Most people there were middle aged or older haha, but they were all so nice and hope to see me with josh one day! (Praying!!!) Now, I wanted to go meet this violinist! 

Josh sings The Prayer with Judith Hill. 

The photographer from earlier found me and wanted to do a post concert interview (sure why not?!) so we did that. Oh also this photographer took many pictures of me with my sign throughout the concert. What a nice dude. 

THEN, I saw Christian! Turns out he was actually looking for ME! What the?! He was just walking around eating a fudgesicle bar like whatever. I chatted with him for like 20 minutes. He used to be the concertmaster of the orchestra of the broadway show Wicked! He's from michigan and attended MSU and later got his masters somewhere in NYC (can't remember the conservatory name). He asked about my violin history and stuff and I got some pictures with him and my sign! While we were backstage, we also met Josh's pianist (can't remember his name AHH!) but he had some WILD hair and he was totally bro. He recognized me as well. That neon yellow poster wasn't hard to miss!

Friend or foe? Or coworker?

Christian led Macie and I out the "VIP" exit and we passed by Josh's tour bus, which he was in, and all the fans by the gate around the bus. He gave Macie and I a goodbye hug and I went and fetched my violin. I actually pulled it out and played some of Josh's songs! It was chilly out , but it was so fun. The fans loved it and Christian heard me! Macie actually yelled out to Christian and pointed me out to him. According to Macie, Christian stopped whatever conversation he was having and watche me for a sec and said something like "That is SO cool!" Everyone loved it. It was incredible. I hope josh heard me from the bus...surely he did, i was like RIGHT there. I played as passionately as I could! 

Tonight was definitely a milestone. I think I got some connections. Maybe I WILL be up there with him one day. I just gotta keep working at it! And obviously I can't stop practicing. Ever. 

Thank you Josh, Christian, and crew for a MEMORABLE night! It was LEGEN.... DARY!!!!

Insert Quote about Disney and Dreams Coming True

Wow. So much has happened within my first two weeks of college! The first week was pretty slow, since I was still getting used to the flow of my schedule, this past week zoomed by. 

Gosh, where do I even start? So much good news!

First of all, I am still surprised I am 2nd chair in symphony orchestra. It's a big responsibility for sure! I can only imagine the responsibility of the concertmaster.....

Lots of people complain about how "there's nothing to do in Rexburg". Are you serious?! Look around! There's stuff EVERYWHERE! I've done ballroom dancing, a hip hop workshop, other fun, social dances. I've gotten ice cream for $1 (did not know this was possible in America), Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts), had a Belgian waffle dinner. . . and there's a ton of other stuff I still want to do but haven't done yet. 

I have many performing opportunities here. The other day, I decided to go audition for BYUI's Got Talent. I auditioned with the same hip hop piece I performed at the Freshman Talent Show. The judges seemed to like it a lot, but then they asked what Disney song it was? Wuut? Turns out, BYUI's Got Talent Auditions are NEXT week. That day's auditions were meant for Disney numbers. So, they asked if I knew any Disney songs. I knew Pirates of the Caribbean, so I spontaneously played an excerpt from He's A Pirate, and they seemed pretty satisfied. Today I found out I AM performing in this Disney show called Magic Moments! Maybe I'll also perform in BYUI's Got Talent. . . we shall see! Anyways, after my random Disney audition, I was interviewed by the BYUI Scroll (college newspaper. I'm not sure how I feel about all this attention, but I guess I better use it in the most humble way possible; can't get prideful here and slack off!

Speaking of the newspaper, I Instagrammed a picture of myself blowing this GIANT bubbles last Friday and it ended up in the BYUI newspaper! That bubble-making was amazing. A random guy on campus just had a big bucket of soapy water and some rope and people came by and made bubbles. 

BUBBLEZ!!!!!! Perfect distraction.

Okay, now for the REALLY exciting news. . . Yes, it gets better. (drumroll please)

This Wednesday, my roommate, Macie, and I are attending a Josh Groban concert in Boise. SO EXCITED. Yesterday I checked the fan club page that I'm a part of (I'm so obsessed) just to check it out. I randomly signed up for a possible chance to meet and greet Josh Groban before the actual concert. GUESS WHO WON. 

FREAKING OUT. I AM STILL FREAKING OUT. I GET TO MEET JOSH GROBAN OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of those things that I've only imagined. I don't usually win raffles like that. I mean, I almost didn't really care if I lost because I already have REALLY good seats! But, HOLY MY COW I get to meet him! He gets to meet ME! (I didn't mean that in a cocky way) I want to be his violinist so badly. This is my chance! THIS IS IT. God is POURING blessings on me; I am so overwhelmed! 

Now that my life is absolutely PERFECT right now, let's hope things don't get out of hand. . . I know God can use me in great ways, but I gotta make sure Satan does not take over. 

In other news, I got to FaceTime my mom and the Fox family this morning. My first violin student, Rebekah Fox got baptized today! This is really the first time I have missed home. . . I wish I could have been present for Bekah's special day and eat my mom's delicious cooking and homemade salsa at our house, but I know Rexburg, Idaho is where I am supposed to be right now. 

Look at this precious nugget! Baptized and ready to become a true Daughter of God

I can testify to everyone that amazing things happen when we get out of our comfort zone! So, don't even think about the fear, just DO it. You'll be amazed at the impact you can make on the world. 

I'M MEETING JOSH GROBAN. 

Big Fish

COLLEGE. OMG.

It's finally here. The place I've dreamed about and talked about for years and now I'm really here in big kid school. My classes start tomorrow. 

This past weekend was freshman orientation, or Get Connected, as BYUI calls it. It was SO much fun! So many fun, social activities. I've met hundreds of amazing people from all over the country, and even outside the country. 

I had an amazing opportunity to perform in the talent show this past Friday. About 75 people auditioned and only 19 people got to perform that night. I made it, and I was the first to perform?

I'm not used to being the first to perform in concerts and shows like this. I'm usually toward the end. But, FIRST? Like, do they want to get me over with or something? It kind of freaked me out for a minute. 

I performed an original composition that my producer, River White, and I wrote. He named it "Dragon". It's definitely a Lindsey-Stirling-type-ish song, very dubstep and hip hop, so it was definitely one to pump up a crowd. As I did sound check and as showtime became closer and closer, I did not feel nervous one bit. I just got even more excited. I was so excited to have this opportunity to shine and show this new world who I am. I recalled performing in Carnegie Hall earlier this year in February with an orchestra. That hall is BREATHTAKING. The depth of the audience, the acoustics, the SIZE of the audience. I realized that I would rather perform for 5000 over 5 people any day. I have no nerves whatsoever. I absorb all the energy from the audience, whether they're screaming or not, and I spit it back out at them, and they give it back, then I give it back. It's like a cycle. 
So, I played my piece and had a paparazzi later, along with the other amazing talent show participants. BEST NIGHT EVER. I'm SO pumped to perform more often this semester, both classically and contemporarily. (is that a word?) I feel like a rockstar here. 

This wasn't actually during my performance, but I LOVED the view of all those iPhone flashlights. So beautiful. 

Aside from all the partying and socializing, I do have a degree to pursue. And what is that? Oh, yeah. String PERFORMANCE. Haaa! Perhaps some of this socializing does help get me an audience! The only thing I fear this semester, and future semesters, is balance. Balancing good grades, sleep, health, study time, practice time, fun, sanity....it's gonna be an adventure, that's for sure! 
And I'm SO. EXCITED. 

I am so blessed to have the House of the Lord just blocks away. City on a hill. SO BLESSED.

Dear, Father in Heaven, you spoil me way too much. 

“I am mentally preparing myself for the five-year-old mind. I want to come down to their physical limitations and up to their sense of wonder and awe.” ~Shinichi Suzuki

He's right. Either everything is a miracle or it's not. It just depends on how you look at it. 

This past Saturday I took a violin teacher training class at my music school in Dallas; teacher training for the Suzuki Method specifically. 

Shinichi Suzuki is one of the most incredible people I have ever learned about. For those of you who do not know this name, this passionate man started a method for violin (and many other instruments) that changed the world. No, not every child who learns the violin becomes a professional or even continues it, but it teaches them a wild amount of life skills. Discipline, focus, a good ear, problem solving, respect, posture, memorization, speed reading, coordination, passion, and many other things that I may not be thinking of. Another amazing thing is that ANYONE can learn the violin. Suzuki proved this. Everyone is different in the way they learn.

My own violin teacher, Nicolette Solomon, took from Suzuki as a child, and now I think I understand where she gets her enthusiasm and ENERGY. Suzuki was hopping around on stage with a thousand children at the age of 76 or 77, as if he could never age. My own teacher teaches probably around thirteen hours a day and gives each student 110%, with or without lunch. People like this blow my mind so much, they inspire me to want to blow other people's minds. 

Age is ONLY a number!

I'm a new violin teacher myself, and still learning on how to teach well. I have lots of work to do. I did learn, though, that children are amazingly brilliant in their own unique ways. Each individual child is a miracle to the world. Since they are still developing as human beings, they use what they know in everything they say or do, and entertain and teach us all. I was explaining something about bowing to one of my students, Peter, and apparently something I said clicked (since he had been having a problem with this bowing for a few weeks) when he started going on some tangent about Star Wars and got all excited about it, and then did the bowing correctly (and quite dramatically, so to speak). I definitely started using more Star Wars references with him after that. 

You can make anything fun, even the boring stuff. You just have to think of something you love and connect it to that boring thing somehow. I think this also helps find your passion. What is that one thing you keep constantly referring to? Be silly with it! Physics was my worst subject in school and I found it painfully difficult to find the "fun" in it, but it did make more sense when I found music connections to it, and any other random, witty connection. 

Still not finding any fun in it? If it's reading, read it in Morgan Freeman's voice, or Ellen DeGeneres' (Dory). Works every time for me.

Like a boss.

So yeah, approach boring THINGS with something interesting or fun. As for boring of difficult PEOPLE, approach with love. Accept their flaws, look around them, and think of something that brings out their strong traits, and then focus on strengthening the weakness. 

This takes practice. Repetition is another important thing Suzuki taught. "Knowledge is not skill. Knowledge 10,000 times is skill." When a baby says its first word, they say it ALL THE TIME. Whether that's "mama" or "no", they'll respond to everything with it until they learn more words, and they'll use the new words, but still use the first one they ever said. "Twinkle twinkle little star" was the first song I ever learned on violin, as it is for many other violinists. I learned that song sixteen years ago and I still remember it. In fact, I've played it so much that's it's impossible for me to forget it!

Repetition doesn't just apply to music or studying. Repetition is consistency. I know someone who had a bad habit of cussing. They repeated "replacement words" in their head all the time, and got rid of the bad habit. They did not completely forget about the words, but they did put a stop to saying them. In fact, it made them think more positively. When they'd stub their toe, they'd be grateful that they didn't break it instead. 

If you want to lose weight and you know running will help, you don't run a whole marathon in one day and suddenly lose the twenty pounds you wanted to rid of. (If that happens then you must have a freakishly fast metabolism) You run a little bit every day, and you eat healthy. Step by step. 

I couldn't really figure out the one point I was getting at in this blog, but these are some things I have learned this past week. Hopefully it doesn't sound like babble..

In other news, I'M GOING TO COLLEGE THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I AM SO EXCITED IF YOU COULDN'T TELL. The only thing I'm nervous about is balancing everything. . . I guess I'll just take it day by day! Step by step.

Farewell, lovely Texas. 

The Journey

Today I taught the young women in my church and I was telling them how it's the "journey" that is most important. The final destination is your goal, yes, but how are you getting there?

One of my best friends, Danielle Fox, is serving a mission in Las Vegas right now. For those of you who don't know me, I go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Young men and women can serve a mission starting in their late teens and twenties. Men serve for two years and women serve for eighteen months, and they are called to any place in the world, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and serving the world. 

Danielle was saying in an email about two weeks ago how it's all about the journey in this life. Yes, we would all like to go to heaven in the end, but going through the steps in a robotic manner won't get you there. 

My church encourages everyone to pray to God every day and study the scriptures every day, and to attend church every Sunday. It seems so simple, but sometimes our lives get so busy that we forget the purpose of these things. 

If you are doing this already, awesome. Don't stop. I do my best to read my scriptures every night, but I don't always succeed, especially when I'm absolutely exhausted. However, I think the least anyone can do is pray. Pray when you're in need, yes, but don't forget to be grateful. Communication is one of the most important things in a relationship, and it's important to communicate with our God, too! I mean He kind of created you, so take some time out of your day to thank Him for existing in the first place and ask him to help you know your purpose. 

For those of you who are not religious or believe in God for that matter, I invite you to pray anyway, and "pretend" there's a God, and see if you receive a response. No, you probably won't receive some amazing vision or voice, but if you are patient and faithful, He will let you know somehow that he IS there. I KNOW this more than anything else in the world I know. 

If you're really starting from scratch, start with a prayer. Find a quiet place and get on your knees and close your eyes. 

It's simpler than you think. 

I teach violin to young children, and they have to start from scratch too (especially if they're toddlers). Before they learn how to play and read music, they need to know the basics of holding the instrument and having good posture. 

Look at these nuggets. It doesn't get much cuter than this! 

These little girls aren't even holding bows yet, but they will, and they will create beautiful music and someday receive an applause. 

That applause is truly one of the thrills of being a musician. 

God wants us to return to Him someday, and he put us on this earth for a reason, so go find out that reason and get to work on that journey!

This is Danielle Fox, looking beautiful as usual as she's having the time of her life teaching others about Jesus Christ in Las Vegas! 

~Happy Sunday~