Getting Serious.

I don't intend for this blog to be super serious (despite the title).  I normally want to write about funny things, or things that I love, but sometimes I haven't had this much "feeling" in me since Jerusalem so I figured I'd hash out my feelings in a blog post.


Sometimes life is confusing.  I wonder if other people experience this, where you are so set on something, and you feel like it is absolutely the right thing for you to be doing yet barriers are put in your way, preventing you from moving forward as you had planned.  


Well this seems to have happened to me this weekend. I had thought I was pursuing something that not only I wanted, but something that I had thought the Lord had wanted me to do.  I don't mean to be vague, so I'll just say that I auditioned for Vocal Point and didn't make it.  I have wanted to be involved with VP for a few years, and had auditioned before.  This time, however, was different.  Last time I auditioned, made it to callbacks and then was denied; yet I felt fine, I wasn't super upset nor did I feel like I was really missing out, I had done it for fun but had other things in mind as well.  


This time however, I felt very strongly going into my audition that this is what I was supposed to do.  I auditioned, and again made callbacks.  As I performed, practiced and worked with the members of vocal point during the call back, I kept feeling this strong feeling that this was really a special organization, and one that I needed to be involved with. The final portion of the call back was a short solo.  I was the last to go, so I was able to listen to all of those called back and was blown away by the talent.  I knew as I left that I was by no means the most talented in the pool of auditioners, yet I still felt this really strong feeling that this was what I was supposed to do and that God would make a way for me to do it.  That evening I was nervous, I was excited, and I was pleased with how I had performed during the audition.  I again knew that I was not the most talented, but I also knew how I had been feeling and really expected an invitation to join, despite my vocal shortcomings.  Well, I was at the football game, and knew I wouldn't have service in the stadium, so I kept trying to call and see if I had a voice message.  Well, right before half time, I did get a voice message from one of the men saying that there wasn't a spot for me.  I didn't break down or cry or anything, but I do admit that I struggled.  My mind went crazy; I was frustrated, upset, confused and kind of scared.  I was frustrated at what I considered a lack of ability (vocally) in myself, upset knowing that I wouldn't be involved with or get to know the group of awesome guys that I had spent four hours with that day, I was confused by the fact that I had felt so strongly in my heart that this is not only what I was supposed to do, but that this was what I was going to be doing, and I was scared because I had put so much into this and I didn't know what I was going to do now, I was also scared because I really didn't know how I was going to keep music in my life without the chance of performing regularly.  


To be honest, I still feel all of these things.  I am still sad, but I am determined to find ways to do what I had wanted to do with vocal point.  I want to find more opportunities to sing, to share the joy that music has always brought me.  I don't know how I will do this, but somehow I will.  I am not bitter, nor upset with any of the guys from vocal point, in fact its just the opposite, I now want to join more than ever.  Each member was extremely helpful, and absolutely wanted the best from each auditioner.  This was clear, and I am so appreciative for the incredible call back session that I had.  I haven't felt so involved, and supported since my time in Jerusalem.  It was a great, great feeling.  So for now, I guess I move on and find something new to pursue.  I'm excited and anxious to see what that will be.  

the November argument

I come to my readers (who I recognize are few and very far between these days) today with a heavy and irritatedheart.  It has appeared to me, via myfacebook newsfeed, that many are unhappy with the playing of certain holiday themed music at this particular point in the season.

My primary question is this, if you are so hell-bent on keeping Thanksgiving the all important thing of November,then perhaps you all should spend a little less time criticizing those who choose to start the Holiday season off with Christmas music and more time sharing what you’re so thankful for.  As opposed to posting status’s hating on radio stations that play Christmas music ,I propose that you change said station (which is one I doubt you regularly listened to anyway) and post something about your precious Thanksgiving.  The only ones who seem to be making the celebration of the Christmas season a big deal before Thanksgiving are those who say they are Thanksgiving purists to begin with.  In my mind Christmas is the ultimate example of Thanksgiving and it hurts no one to begin celebrations or recognition of it early.  Christmas is a time to be thankful for one specific reason, that being the birth of a Savior, and if someone is excited enough about celebrating that a few weeks earlier than others… so be it.  There is no harm in showing that gratitude and excitement in November, or July or any month of the year.   So I say this to my fellow Christmas-music-in-November‘ers… Listen on, and God bless us everyone.

I've embedded one of my new favorite Christmas songs, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, performed by BYU Vocal Point, which I am auditioning for this week.

Food for thought.

Since it is inevitable that I will be coming home soon, and my 'last-days' posts aren't ready, I thought I’d quickly give some suggestions to the familia back home so they can start planning the menu for the week I’m back. 

1)   Bacon, ham, pork salads, pulled pork sandwiches, pork tenderloin.  Feel free to meet me at the airport with a bag of crispy bacon.  Must break Kosher laws.

2)   Mexican food…café rio, Morelia’s, even home made taco seasoned beef would be delicious, oh and salsa please! 

3)   Chocolate Chip Cookies, ready to be put in the oven the second I’m home.

4)   Joe Morley’s

5)   Cheeseburger.  Five guys?

6)   Cheesecake, this one hasn’t been a long lasting craving, it kinda just popped in my head, but it does sound good.

7)   Pizza, pepperoni.  Perhaps we could pick it up on the way home from the airport while snacking on some bacon?

8)   Popcorn, movie anyone?

9)   Chili’s Chips and Salsa

10)  Wok King Café

Amazing.

I have had the most amazing Sabbath of my entire life; not only that, I think today has been one of the most amazing days of my entire life period.

The day began with an incredible final sacrament meeting in the Jerusalem Center.  I truly will miss being able to simply look up while taking the sacrament and see the city where the most important week in history took place, to look to the south west and see the building where Christ instituted this sacred ordinance.  I was lucky enough to sing a musical number today, I loved being able to testify of Christ through song in this amazing city.  The talks were amazing and the spirit was impregnable.  I then went to primary where I led the little children one last time, they are amazing.  I'm so grateful that I had that calling here.

Following church we went to the Garden of Gethsemane where I just sat for a few hours and wrote in my journal, read the intercessory prayer, pondered about all that I have just experienced.  It was an incredible thing for me to be able to do on my last sabbath.

The best part of the day came later after all of that already amazing stuff, I wish I could describe it in better detail, so I'll wait til I have more time so that I can fully articulate my intense and incredible feelings that I felt this evening.

I feel like I needed to post at least one picture.  These were taken at a place called the Terra Sancta, it was used as a hospice, or hotel over a hundred years ago.  Inside one room, that is now used as a sewing room to sew Franciscan monk robes, is an old old door with names carved into them.  As though they were guests names.  One of these names clearly says the H-Y-D-E.  It is very possible that this was carved by the apostle Orson Hyde when he came to Jerusalem in 1841.  Those back home know how much I love modern church history, so I was so excited to see this place.  

Star gazing.

I wish I could have gotten a picture of the baldy with a
kippa tonight, or at least get his autograph.  But Shabbat rules
say no photography (or any use of electricity for that matter)
as well as no using or picking up writing utensils.

It seems like David's not the only one with a star around these parts.  We went to the Western Wall tonight for our last time welcoming in Shabbat with the Jews.  Let me just insert this here... I love the Kotel, its definitely one of my favorite places in Jerusalem.  I inserted my final written prayer into a small crack in the wall, I actually got a little emotional as I thought back to who I was and what I knew when I put my first prayer in the wall four months ago, and the difference that I feel and the added knowledge and testimony that I have now.  It was a great way to wrap up part of my spiritual experiences and to insert them into that sacred wall of stone.  Anyways, while we were there word started going around at that Patrick Stewart was at the Kotel.  Naturally, being the American college students we are we went searching.  Amongst the thousands of Jews he was finally spotted.  I went and staked my spot next to him just away from the wall a bit.  There I was standing next to Magneto, surrounded by hundreds of Jews of every denomination, looking at one of the most incredible places on earth.  A perfect way to bring in what is going to be a very very special Shabbat here at the JC.  I'll let you know how it goes later.

Dating.

1700  1500

1468 1269 1224 

1000  961  922

918

853  732  722 701

640  609  586 

537 520 444  430  332

270  198

167  164  63

38

31  20  4  6

10  26  66  70  73  135

180 324 500  638

1099  1187

What do these numbers have to do with anything?  Let me tell you.  These numbers are all crammed up inside my brain and will be forever.  They also have everything to do with the history of the Holy Land and the House of Israel.  My head physically hurts, too many numbers.

"1-4-6-8  Who do we appreciate?  Tutmose, Tutmose, Tutmose at Megiddo's gate!"

More providence than Rhode Island.

Church celebrating the birthplace
 of John the Baptist.

The other day I took a bus with some of the best people in the world trying to find a little village called En Kerem, which is where John the Baptist grew up.  Our day was filled with happenstance events leading us exactly where we needed to go.  For example, we got on a bus thinking it was leading us to the right place, then after we had been on for a while we learned that it was not taking us to the correct place.  We jumped off the  bus, and started walking in the other direction to go see a cool park and immediately saw a sign saying 'En Kerem' with a big arrow pointing us left.  Need another example?  We were on our last legs, kind of tired and ready to go home.  We asked for directions to get to a bus stop from a nice Jewish man, he explained in his broken english and we tried our best to make our way according to his well-intentioned directions.  To be honest we had no idea where to go, but we found a building got in an elevator that was supposed to take us to a big shopping center.  The elevator opened and directly in front of us was a line of busses.  Providence.  One of the best parts of the day was not necessarily providential, it was completely deliberate and delicious.  We stopped at a restaurant called Karma.  There I ate the most delicious Ravioli of my life.  I can't even begin to describe how happy I was to not be eating falafel and shwarma, or any other food that smells like the entire city of Jerusalem.  (If you cant tell, I'm a little excited to break Kosher laws and eat some bacon)

Lowest point of the program...

These are from the latest and last bussed field trip of our program.  Kind of crazy to think about.  I think that I did my last batch of laundry in the Holy Land today. We changed our linens for the last time.  Lasts are upon us, but we keep living it up and making the most out of every holy second.  (By the way the title refers to the elevation not sad emotions, silly.)  

Addie and I at Cave 4 at Qumran.  Here is where the largest number
of Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

A group on the tram up to Masada, a lot of little Muhlesteins in this one.

Raquel (girlfriend) and I on top of Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea.

Looking down Nahal David.  Really helps understand the imagery described in the Book of Mormon.

An Ibex, or Yael in Hebrew which is also the name of the coolest Kibbutz
hotel front desk worker. 

After Qumran, Masada, Ein Gedi we headed to the Dead Sea for a float, and apparently a mud bath too.

Following 3 Photos Courtesy of Lani Livingston.

Jumping in the water as if it were a trampoline.

Seriously a trippy experience not to be able to drown.  Perfect for persons who aren't a fan of submerging their heads.

The Other Side of the Jordan

Okay, as was the case with my Galilee recap, this is going to be brief.  I've got 13 days left in this place and I don't necessarily want to spend it at my computer.  However, since it was only four days I think that this can be done reasonably...so, here goes.

Macherus

Day 1.  We leave Israel, cross over to the other side of the River Jordan into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.  First thing we do there is 1) pee 2) by a six pack (of snickers, you weirdos) 3) wait forever to get visas figured out.  Then we head to Mount Nebo, the place where Moses was taken up into Heaven and where he saw the promised land, but was told his job was finished and that he would not be going any farther.  Then we headed to Madaba where a famous mosaic floor is located that has a huge map of the Holy Land including names like Bethlehem, a fullon map of ancient Jerusalem etc...  Then we went to Macherus, the location of the beheading of John the Baptist.  This was a twin fortress of the Herodian, a lot of other interesting historical things were associated with this place, but since you're probably not the Old and New Testament/ Ancient Near Eastern Studies nerd that I feel like I am right now I won't go into detail.  After that we had a long bus ride to Petra where we were welcomed with drums, pictures, drinks, and gladiator type people.  We ate, and hit the sack.

Day 2.  We packed our bags, loaded onto the bus drove for approximately 1 and a half minutes to the Petra visitors center where we began our tour of the coolest place, it was seriously awesome.  Unfortunately, we were told that it would be super hot by the time we left, so jackets were optional.  I'll just say that a rain jacket would have been really nice.  The hike up the canyon of the crescent moon was a bit chilly.  We then went to the Shobak castle which was always great, I love me some castles and jumping pictures.  Then we finished the day with another long bus ride to Amman where Nathaniel and I went up to our room on the 11th floor, where we were greeted by a big sign saying Royal Suites.  We then opened our room door and a suite it was.  Kitchen, Dining table, Living room, two bathrooms, and a beautiful bedroom not to mention the sweet deck with a view that was directly underneath the hotel sign.  I fell asleep easily tonight.  Pics of the sweet suite will come later.

It was raining...good thing these girls were too sick to even notice they were miserable.

Somewhat awkward, but I like showing them who's in charge every once in a while.

Jumping Pictures are a necessity.

The crew at the "great temple" which is probably a palace and not a temple.

More jumping pictures, this one is on a castle though, so it's different.

This jumping pic is from underneath and has an arch over it,, so its different.

Inside the mosque, the lines on the
floor are so that the lines of praying
people can be orderly as they do so.

Day 3 started at a mosque, King Hussein mosque.  We were so excited to finally go in one, we were supposed to in Cairo, but we all know how that went down.  It was really pretty, and we learned a lot.  Love my muslim friends.  After that we went and stopped at the Jabbok river.  There we read the account of Jacob wrestling with a man, receiving his new name of Israel.  It was a really neat story at a neat place.  After that we drove on to Jerash, or Jershon.  The ancient decapolis city.  There was a ton to see and learn here, and there were tons of Arab girls wanting pics with Americans.  Following Jerash we went to another castle so that we could look out and see the other decapolis city that we went to when we were on the Galilee trip called Bet Shean.  Unfortunately it was cloudy,  so instead we just explored another castle.  We then went back to the palace, or hotel, and explored around Rainbow street a bit.  Then we headed back for dinner, afterwhich I spent a good amount of alone time in my suite taking a bath, eating my American Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, drinking a coke and reading my Bible.  Can life get any better?

Engagements on the Jabbok River...classic

The Hippodrome (where they raced chariots) at Jerash

The randomly awesome dance party with a bunch of Arab girls in the ancient theater.
There were bag pipers playing Amazing Grace, Yankee Doodle, and (they didn't know it but...) Praise to the Man

AwkwardFamilyPhotos with Madi...a requirement in order for a field trip to be awesome.

Me and Bethany.  She's studying archaeology, she loves this stuff.

 Day 4.  Final day.  We left our amazing suite, ate breakfast and headed to downtown Amman where the citadel is located.  It was cool.  Then we went to the largest theater in the middle east, following that we had a very brisk walk through downtown, I guess no BYU group has been able to do this, so it was rushed and kinda weird.  After that we headed for the Jordan River where we stopped and ate the most random meal ever.  KFC in the middle of nowhere just next to the Jordan River Baptismal site, kinda strange.  Then we crossed back over the border and were thrilled to be back at the JC.  And that my friends is how you see Jordan in 4 days.

The temple of Hercules, at the Amman Citadel.

The Jordan River.  See Ketchup to see what the water looks like when it first gets going.  This is miles downstream and has collected a lot of dirt.

Fooled.

So this post is to mainly let people know that I'm back from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and had an awesome experience.  It was a whirlwind tour and way too many hours on a bus, but we saw a lot of cool stuff that I will post about later when I have time to upload pics.  I only have 13 more days in the Holy Land which is sad and exciting to think about.  I'm hoping to make the most out of the last two weeks I have here and then move on, and hopefully my friends will be there to help me with post-JRu depression.  

Many will not understand the subtleties associated with this picture, but I'm going to post it anyways.

(One of the) Last Crusades!

Well friends, my final major field trip is upon me.  Tomorrow morning we will board the busses and attempt to cross the Jordan into Jordan.  Four days in Indy's territory is more than I could ask for.  Petra here we come!  So stoked!

Ketchup.

Despite what the title may suggest this post has nothing to do at all with a delicious Tomato based condiment.  It is merely the way that some people would say the words "catch up" if they were to say it too quickly and squash them together accidentally.  What this post is really going to entail is a bunch of pictures with little to no description... as it would take a full novel in order to inform you as to all of the amazing things that I have done or seen in the past week and a half.  Most of these are from Galilee and I will try to offer as much information as I have time to describe.  So in the words of Mario..."Here we gooooo!"

On our journey up north we made a few stops, the first one was at a place called Bet-Shean, its one of the ancient Decapolis cities where Christ would have come.  Its a bunch of ancient Roman ruins now, but those are always great to take pics of us using ancient latrines.

Everyone loves a good dance on an ancient roman stage.

This is taken from Mt. Arbel on the west side of the Kinneret.  From here you can see the shores of Magdala (where a certain Mary was from).  Tiberius is behind that rock.

Tiberius at sunset from Ein Gev.

Cam, Cory and Me on the Sea of Galilee

Just a cool shot I took.  That cliff is Mt. Arbel, its so beautiful.

Me at the Synagogue in Capernaum, Christ surely taught here.  

Me and BJ at the Mt. of Beatitudes.

Gamla.  Quite possibly the coolest place on earth.  We hike out to that mountain tip, this is one of the few mountain top cities that is visible from the area that Christ gave His "a city set on a hill" talk.  Since He usually spoke of things within eyesight, this is possibly the mountain He was looking at.

Me and Sabrina on our hikes.

This was on a random hike to this waterfall, it was optional, as was clothing.   JK.

I had to throw these random shots in to prove to my family that I submerged my head underwater.

Denise, me and Jeni after our waterfall hike.

Me and Kaitlyn from the balcony at the Tiberius branch.

The Jordan River.

Walking on the Sea of Galilee.

Caesarea Philippi 

Cool waterfalls, the water gushing from the rock, heading to the Jordan River.

Nimrods Castle

We got into a valiant fighting mood.  

The fights became more and more epic til eventually 'magical' was the only description worthy.

Acco

Even Bro. Muhlestein got into the fighting mood.

My bladder broke in Acco.
(I bought a Israeli Parks Authority Camelbak, and it was leaking...Cory and Jen fixed me all up though.)

At the Mediterranean Sea at Acco with Kels.

Mark and I jumping of a Roman aqueduct.

In summary:  I think I've found a new love.... I love Galilee (and Britt too).


Oh Galilee, Sweet Galilee, Where Jesus loved so much to be.