Max is Back!

The Maryland State Boychoir TOUR CHOIR are home from their 2 week tour. They went north, all the way to Quebec. Max told the story of how impressed he was with Niagra Falls. They sang "Happy Birthday" to Maxwell in the middle of one of their songs--very cool. I cried at the end of the concert, thinking of all the years of rehersal and driving and tuition and uniforms and hours of sacrifice to support him in this--and the relief of it coming to an end. Great experience, and he learned lots, but I regret the time he was away from Church youth night...Did we sacrifice too much? Met a friend of MSB, a big supporter/patron of the arts who is also a Mormon--who only learned at the concert that Max is, too, when they announced he was graduating and going to BYU for school. That kind of gives it away. He asked about how our beliefs meshed with the religious songs the choir sings. Doctrinally, some of the hymns we don't sing in our congregations, or different verses, or even words changed to fit with what we believe. I told this supporter that it has been a good religious education for our son, great opportunity to learn about others' beliefs. And overall very uplifting, inspiring. Good group of young men with high standards and the choir is very strict. They do have fun, but clean fun. The choir consists of boys from many faiths and backgrounds, and they their repertoire includes many faiths.

Thankul for the Encouragement!

Look at the amazing art work in the Havre de Grace United Methodist church! Symmetrical holy leaves painted up both sides of the organ pipes. Max sang last night with MSB. (same living room couch as yesterday, daylight coming in. Suzu photographer. It looks like I did a poor job photo-shopping John into this picture--but I think it is the weird reflection of the glass juxtaposed against his silver hair? Cross stitch by church friend LauraJ.) Thank you for all the great comments yesterday! The support is noted and appreciated. So, I am not changing this blog's name, and continuing...couple photos! It amazes me how we influence one another in blog-dom. I want to be edifying, uplifting, up-beat, encouraging to others. And honest and real. In seminary Friday we talked about Jacob 2. Pride. Enmity. For an object lesson I dressed up in sequins, pearls, all the rings I could find, glitter cheeks, dramatic lipstick. Challenged them to be careful of judging others by their riches or clothing, and work at being humble on their own, and not wait to be compelled to be humble. Be teachable. Be good.