Thoughts from Rob Gardner's The Lamb of God

Tonight, I had the opportunity to go and see a performance of Rob Gardner's The Lamb of God. Going into the program, I didn't really know what I was getting into, I had only heard that Chad loved the music and that it really meant a lot to him. 

Sitting in the performance, I was struck by the beauty of the music and the retelling of Christ's story. However, one of the most profound moments came during Mary, the mother f Jesus's, solo. As she sang her solo, I began to connect to Mary in a way that I never have- on the maternal level. Although I'm not a mother, I began thinking about how she must have felt watching the crucifixion of her son. I cannot even imagine watching the sacrifice of your son for the world. On our way home, I asked Chad if he thought that Mary understood exactly what would happen to her son before that moment of weeping at the foot of the cross. Did she ever expect that she would have to watch her son die in such a brutal way? Is there any way she could really comprehend what the angel Gabriel meant when he said that she would bear the Savior of the World? Chad and I discussed it and felt that she couldn't have fully comprehended what bearing the Messiah meant. How her heart must have broken as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son. I cannot even begin to comprehend her pain and sorrow. 

I also felt that Thomas's solo was incredibly moving. Especially these lines:

We’ll read the meaning of our tears,

And there, sometime, we’ll understand

Why what we long for most of all

Eludes our open, pleading hand.

I love the idea of understanding the meaning of our tears. I feel that often, I don't fully understand the meaning of my tears, but it is comforting knowing that God understands those tears and that sometime, he will help us to comprehend them. Through Christ's atonement, those tears are all accounted for. All of them. Above all, God knows what is best for us, and as those lines state, he will show us why not all of our prayers were answered. In the end, all will be made right, and I think that is an  important thing to understand about the atonement. 

I was incredibly impressed by the performance and would highly encourage any one who has the chance to go and see the production. Surely, you will walk away with a fuller understanding for the atonement of Christ. 

Love always,

Ems

Keeping it Classy and Collected.

Thanks, Frank and co., for getting me through finals week.

A snippet of my current studying music... 

Love always, 

Ems

also, I found the best white noise site here.

Break.

Sometimes, you need a break from school work.
After I finished my french homework, I did just that.

I snuggled up in my bed and watched Vocal Point own like Mormon boys do on the Sing-off.

Then Becca and I went to the vending machine and got chocolate milk.

Best. Thing. Ever.

And I really like this song....



I think my headache and I are going to sleep.
Becca is learning the countries in the EU.
She says that, "Creamery Chocolate milk always makes you feel better..."
and she advises, "Don't stay out till three am."

Not like we ever do......

I am excited tomorrow is Thursday. Thursdays are my favorite.
And Tyler bought tickets for he and I to go see the choir showcase tomorrow night.
I'm very happy about that.

Have a wonderful day!

Love always,
Ems

Here's How it Is.

For the record, vocalists have nothing on instrumentalists.
Let me tell you...
Camelot.
Fie on Goodness.
Six flats.
Please, just kill the violin section, including me.
There's no hope.
I think throwing our instruments across stage would sound better.
And I'm serious.

So to all you vocalists,

( I can rag on you cause I'm one of you too)

Don't tell me it's harder to sing then play...

I will tell you

YOU LIE!!!!!

That is all.

But I'm pretty sure Camelot is all the same tempo.

And that Freddy's new strings will be pointless after next week.

Now that's really all.

Love Always,
Ems

14 Days of Love: Day 2

Today, I love

Sara Bareilles.

I put her cd in the other day, as in yesterday, and it's made me happy whenever I drive somewhere. Especially since it brings back wonderful memories of her concert  {Why yes, I did in fact take the above picture.} All the girls {minus becca :(} went to her concert in Tempe at the beginning of the year and we had a seriously good time.

I love how talented Sara is and how true her songs are. Excuse the oddness of this comment, but her songs are pretty much raw emotion. And they're fabulous to sing to at the top of your lungs. I also love that my little brother likes her: I love when he and I like the same music, it's like a secret bond we share that nobody else can share.

Anyways,

Today, I love Sara Bareilles.

Love Always,
Ems

p.s. what is up with the freezingness that is currently Arizona? Somebody save me: I was wearing shorts on Saturday and now I can't walk outside without dying.

I've found my Soul Mate

In country music. 

Yup, I'm one of those people. 

But let me tell you, 

Tim McGraw?

breath-taking.
And married to Faith Hill for the longest time- LOVE.

Keith Urban?

Heart-melting.
And so in love with Nicole Kidman.
They're adorable.

Lady Antebellum?

what.do.i.even.say?

Anyway, I'm currently in love with these three songs:

and last but not least....

They are my favorite.

That's my music love currently.
Let's go to a country concert together, ok?


Love Always,
Ems
p.s. I do not appreciate the hick country music...
I'm NOT one of those people! 

Whew!

I love to organize things. Now that my dresser is completely organized, I'm going to go tackle my closet.... that means getting rid of cloths ans shoes which is quite a dreadful thought. But the absolute perfect organization of it will be wonderful. Organization is such a great invention, don't you think?

Now, if only I could get a fun day trip together.... Any ideas as to where?

Soccer game tomorrow. My boys are owning! The score of their game today? 4-1. Yup. Awesome. I was so very sad I wasn't able to go.

Phoenix Art Museum on Wednesday. Anybody care to join? Text me.

And lastly, I have music ADHD today... can't seem to settle on a pandora station so I went for the quick-mix.

And I love Vampire Weekend.

I'm going to end this discombobulated post here... Cheery Monday to all!

Love Always,
Ems

Cabin Fever

 {via}

Fact: Math gives me cabin fever.

Fact: English does not, because it is my love.

Fact: I shall major in English and not deal with math.

Fact: This song made me cry a little-bit when it came on my pandora.

Fact: I love life.

Love Always,

Ems

Goodness :)

I love the videos our Church puts out. This one is especially good because I'm SUPER impatient a lot of the time... And, these kids are stinkin adorable!


And I REALLY love this music by SHe & Him Please tell me you ROFL. Because if not... something is wrong. Seriously. And isn't she gorgeous?! LOVE she &him!


And I love the invention of this embeded thing. It's awesome. Life is great. :)
(the SAT....not so much)


Love Always,
Ems

Today.

1.

 2.

 3.

1. My obsession of the day is She&Him. 

I want their new cd...

2. Finished my BYU essays! Horrah!

3. Temple trip with Namoi. Favorite.

Life is Fabulous, my friends.

Love Always,

Ems

Don't get me Wrong...

The Beatles are awesome.

But they don't belong

on Mason Jennings pandora.

 

Please Pandora,

I would like only acoustic indi/folk with Mason- 

not Beatles rock.

That is why I have a Beatles station 

Love Always,

Ems

Best in my book

The best Classical musicals in my book are....

mmmhhh.

West Side Story Pandora,

I love you.

Aren't old musicals the best?! 

Love Always,

Ems

p.s. homecoming excitingness coming....

I just died.

I'm going to see him....

If I live. :)

My first concert EVER.

I think I'm in Heaven.

Love Always,

Ems

Mmmhhh....

I {heart} Mason.

Mason Jennigns, that is. 

Love Always,

Ems

Love Les Miserables

Can I just say how much I love this play? It is amazing. I'm kind major obsessed with it currently. Especially the song, On My Own and just in general, the charecter of Eponine. I think I shall read the book asap. And actually, musicals just pretty much make my life. Ok, not pretty much, they do. My cousins (two boys) went and saw Wicked and they didn't like it! WHAT?!  I did not even know that was possible!!!! How do you not like this?!

 (by far my favorite scene. It makes me cry.)

 Like really, is it possible to not like this show?! Please, somebody tell me how that's even possible. Anyway, random story of the day.

So when we were in London I was lucky enough to go see Les Miserables with my grandma. After the entire shock of amazingness, and the gorgeousness of Nick Jonas playing Marius with his voice that surprised me with it's amazingness, we exited the theater. (wow, sorry about the anticlimaticness there). We headed to the back door of the stage because it's tradition when I go to musicals to get the signatures of the cast. (sorry I sound like a brat....wow). Anyway, there was the most ginormous crowd of teen/tweenage girls waiting to get a picture of one of Nick's curls. Not even kidding, I'm sure some of them got like one curl in their picture and will print it out and make it a 20x30 print in their room-pathetic. Ok, so Nick's cool. Ok, he's really cool and super gorgeous but I knew there was no way I was cramming up there for a signature and frankly, wasn't that interested. So I waited at the end of the crowd for where all the other real west end actors were coming out. (sorry Nick). So the first one I spotted was Martin Ball. He played Thenardier and was absolutely STUNNING. Like, I peed my pants watching him in Master of the House. So he starts walking out and I stop him and say, "Hi, you were amazing. Can you please sign my programme?" 

And he responds, "So you're not here for the Nick show?" (chuckle, chuckle)

"Not at all. I really am not even interested in him, I just wanted to see the play."

"Well that's good! It's been like this for weeks..... two more weeks to go. How did you like the play?"

"It brought me to tears. So incredible."

 We kept chatting for a little bit (which I thought was really cool. He was super personal and kind, not like most actors.) and got to the subject of how he played Dr. Dillamond opposite 

the Idina Menzel.

my jaw dropped and I about died.

"sh...sh...she's my IDOL." I hardly choked out.

"I know, right?!" he said, "Funny thing was, I had no idea who she was when we started so everyone was making a big fuss that I was playing opposite her and I didn't get it. So I go into the first rehersal and she sings I'm not That Girl  and as I teared up with goosebumps everywhere, I got why everyone was making such a fuss. Most amazing run of a show ever. She's a sweet heart."

Yup, the guy who played Thenardier made my life because he played opposite Idina. My claim to fame. Oh, and I saw Nick Jonas, but that's not even half as cool. I seriously probably looked like an idiot with my jaw open & barley breathing.... Oh well. Martin understood. Ya, we're that good of friends now. :)

Love Always,

Ems

I Pretend I'm Rocky.

So I slept in till eight today. To start off, yes, that is late for me. And once I got up, I went to the gym, naturally. And when I got to the gym, I realized why I don't wake up late.... The entire world is at the gym (pretty much) from the hours of 8-10. No joke. EVERYONE. And I have this weird paranoia about the gym... I don't like to see people there, because I like to pretend I'm like rocky and workout fiercely. Another main reason is because I don't know what to do about the people I know. Do I talk to them around the machine? Do I just smile? Do I walk by and pretend I'm super intense about working out? I normally opt fot the third choice. And then I just feel more awkward. So to Joey's mom.... that's why I didn't say hi or anything.... ha. And to the guy in my ward who decided it'd be fun to come and run on the treadmill RIGHT NEXT TO ME (what is up with that?!) I just found it a little bit awkward so.... sorry. And if you ever see me at the gym... let's just be awkward together, ok? I probably can't hear you anyways cause I turn my ipod all the way up. It normally sends people off, and adds to my look of fierce Rocky.  Maybe I should get a dog to workout with me.... Anyone have fake snow?

Moving on, weird story. So I decided I wanted to make a pandora station of Les Miserable music. So I did. And it's played Les Miserable and Phantom so far. Really? I expected more from you pandora.

Love Always,

Ems

Sundays

I love Sundays.

Especially Sunday music. 

My favorite being the BYU choirs.

AMAZING.

That is all.

Love Always,

Ems

ptothes My day activity for prom was yesterday....more to come.

Newest Top Ten!

Here are my top ten things currently:

#1 Just Dance

 

Seriously, if you have not played this, you've probably heard about it and how AMAZING it is! Like seriously, best wii game EVER. And whoever got to makeup all the dances had the most fun job on the face of this Earth!

#2 Power Yoga Total Body Workout

Hi, I have a secret obsession with you. No joke. It makes me so zen-esque and I love it like a little kid likes the tooth fairy! It's actually pretty hard, but so worth it! And an amazing workout! Perfect for making up a missed gym day or when you're really angry and want to punch something! Either one! :)

#3 A Bend In The Road by Nicholas Sparks

Started this book last night, am on page twenty, and already, I am obsessed. Yes, I have problems.

#4 Sonny with A Chance!!!!!

Wow, New favorite tv show, much? It's amazing. Go watch it.

#5 My Hammock

 My favorite place at my house!!! Especially made better when there is someone to cuddle with. :)

#6 The Last Song

Don't care what others said, I LOVED this movie to the extreme! Seriously, that boy is amazing and I actually love Miley Cyrus tons. Don't judge. I also like Hillary Duff. But that's beside the point. Anyway, I really want to see it again like ASAP.  And, I bawled the entire second half of the movie. And walked out of the theater crying. I call that a good movie. Oh, and I want to see Dear John again.... sigh. Oh romantic movies, you are my favorite. Where did this Nicholas Sparks man come from and why is he not my husband?

#7 Dixie Chicks

Currently, I'm in love with their music. Take that back, I've loved their music forever but have rediscovered them. Don't you love when that happens?

#8 A Great and Terrible Beauty

All I can say is READ THIS BOOK. It's sooo good and I need to go get the rest of the series ASAP cause I'm kinda-sorta-really dying. 

#9 Miley Cyrus

Yes, I realize I already said I like her, but she gets her own spot. I think the world gives her too much crap. Get your own life, paparazzi, rather than ruin others-geesh. Plus, I'm in love with her new song from The Last Song called When I Look at You. Um... hi, I like your alto voice and the words to this song and in general, I think you're a dandy girl. That is all.

#10 (which is really my favorite) 

GROOVESHARK.COM

 Bet you thought Pandora was the best thing to happen to music. Well guess what, you're WRONG! Grooveshark is the best thing ever! Like no joke, I've probably been listening to my grooveshark constantly for the last... of I dunno, two weeks. It's amazing. If you're a music nerd like me, go, listen, be in love. 

That is all. :) Hope you enjoy some of the same things as I do. :)

Love Always,

Ems

Pto theS I am going thrift store shopping tomorrow and I'm so stoked!!!

Tuesday=Loves

My new love.....

and introducing Ruckah! My new truck love! (Well it's actually Namoi's....)

And one that stays the same.....

 

{Is it weird that I really love this picture?} 

Happy Tuesday! 

Love Always,

Ems

Hello, my name is Behind the Times.

So, it's missionary week in seminary. Which is exciting! Kinda....I'm just more excited for Caleb's mission call to come on THURSDAY! :) Soooo very exciting. So would you like to know why I'm behind the times? Well, ya know this man?

Well of course you do, because he's like old bussiness, right? Well right! Unless you're me! So, since it is missionary week I decided to listen to my Josh Groban Pandora radio because it's Josh Groban, so totally missionary appropriate. Anyways, I'm listening to it and guess what song comes on?

This I Swear

by this lovely man. and kinda, my heart melted A LOT. Cause it was so incredible adorable! And then I realized it's like crazy old and I felt kinda lame. But I don't care cause I love it and it is going to be in my wedding video. Along with these:

Then by Brad Paisley

Not a Day Goes By by Lonestar

In Her Eyes by Josh Groban

Us by Regina Spektor 

I Just Love You by Five for Fighting

Comfortable by John Mayer

The Luckiest by Ben Folds

Lost by Faith Hill

Breathe by Faith Hill

Every Day by Rascal Flatts

Because of Your Love by Kenney Chesney 

and 

Thank You by Keith Urban

Ya, it's not a big deal that I have the playlist picked out, right?right. Also, I know what I want to do in college but that's a different post. :)

Love Always,

Ems