I Am A Child of God

Last night as we were enjoying Family Home Evening, we frosted Christmas cookies. As I was taking everyone's cookie to set on the counter to dry, Hayden told me to listen. From under the table a sweet little voice sang, "Lead me, guide me, walk beside me". Our precious Ethan was singing so clear and beautiful. Our stake president recently asked how we can tell we are on the right track in the things we are teaching and living. I think that gives me peace. I think we are on the right track.

My Heart Found Christmas

Yesterday was our ward's Christmas program. As I settled in to listen to the music and hear the words, I was given the gift of Christmas. I have really tried to be a Christmas elf and enjoy the season. I started last January trying to overcome the things that I thought were causing my 'scrooginess'. It hasn't worked. I just don't like the 'holidays'. But I love Christmas. I love remembering the beginnings of my Savior's life on earth. I am coming to know Him better and and I love Him.
I looked for Carter in the choir, amused that he was up there. He had attended one rehearsal and is just learning how to sing, let alone harmonize. But my heart was full that he was there. I looked at his folder partner....the stake president, who has perfect pitch and a beautiful tenor voice. At first I giggled to myself, wondering if President Eckman was going crazy. Then my eyes were opened and my heart was opened as I heard the angelic music praising the Lord and saw a great priesthood leader teaching a young priesthood leader to sing. I was blinking back the tears pretty hard. Thank you Heavenly Father for the gift of your Son. Thank you for the gift of music. Thank you for the gift of great men on this earth.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Today, my treat in sacrament meeting was listening to two friends bear testimony through music. Thanks Terri and Susie. It was beautiful. I love this song. The times that it has touched my heart are innumerable. I am grateful for His love and sacrifice. I am grateful for my testimony of Him. He has guided me through pain and joy. Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives..I know that my Redeemer lives.

Echo of My Heart

I am using this blog as an outlet for my experiences with music. I love the Echoes of the Heart and will still publish their performances as they inform me. I am really looking forward to seeing their Christmas program in November.
I am grateful for music.
I think Heavenly Father created music for us and provides for our nourishment through music, just as He has provided air, food, water, shelter and spiritual guidance. I have had my live enriched when I open my heart, especially to the sacred hymns. This morning, I examined my testimony. I have been praying for ways to share it. And what do you know? There is a way provided today. As I thought about my testimony, I was listening to the Tabernacle Choir singing, "Redeemer of Israel". I know He is my Redeemer. I know He saved me. I know He lives. It was such a great outlet to hear the words of the hymn release all that I know. I hope I don't have to sing that testimony today....that might be uncomfortable for the congregation.

Becoming a Fan

Instead of performing with Echoes of the Heart, I am now a loyal fan. I heard them perform in August. I was a little worried how I would feel listening and not singing, but their beautiful blend brought such enjoyment to my heart. I plan on enjoying their Christmas program this year. I will try and publish their schedule so other loyal followers may plan to attend an evening of beautiful music.

Echoing All Over Town

I have been asked about the Echoes schedule. The following schedule will let you know what we are up to. The best perfomance to come and view would probably be the Temple Square performance.
December 9th Woods Cross 3rd ward 6:30
December 11th Heritage Retirement 7:00
December 13th Some ward in Salt Lake (ha-ha) 4:00
December 19th Temple Square South Visitor Center 8:00

Talk about Terri

Terri is truly royalty. Her creativity, leadership and thoughtfulness are the reason we even exist.
Terri was born in Provo, Utah not many years ago. West Bountiful did not get the privilege of claiming her until she was 10 years old. She is the original 'Echo'. Terri saw that we could form a group as an outlet for our musical energy. Her vision saw the hearts that we could touch with the gift of music we were given.
She is multi-talented in voice, piano, flute and many other instruments.


Terri is the mother of 5 wonderful children- 4 boys and 1 daughter. She sports two daughters-in-law and one son-in-law. She is the Grandma of 5...almost 6 terrific grandchildren. She is sister to two other Echoes.
She met her husband, Wes, when she moved to West Bountiful. People thought they were brother and sister.
When I asked her about her pet peeve, she responded that all her pets were dead!!!
You might not know that she has had 4 broken bones, 3 of them before she was 11 years old. She had reddish hair when she was born and her grandmother thought they switched babies. Shirleen's hair is dark ???
Her favorite food is ...anything she doesn't have to fix or clean up. Her favorite music is Country.
She likes to knit, sew and take pictures of her grandkids. What great subjects. Terri also has a wonderful talent for seeing the needs of others and fulfilling those needs. Her favorite song that we sing together is "May I Serve Thee?"
She shares with us a recipe called Peanut Butter Popcorn. Try it some evening!
Pop 2 bags of microwave popcorn- butter flavored and set aside. Bring to a boil and boil one minute stirring constantly 1 c maple syrup and 1 cup sugar.
Then add 1 cup peanut butter. Stir until melted. Pour over popcorn, let cool and devour.