There are 3 things that I believe. First, that truth can be found in many places. Second, that it's perfectly OK and even good to remove that truth from its original context and find how it applies to my life right now. Third, we find truth and its application to our lives when we are ready for it.
So, yesterday I flipped open my scripture a day calendar and found truth that has been staring me in the face my whole life, but I just wasn't ready for it.

Alma 29:1 (That's in the Book of Mormon for you non-Mormons.)
Oh that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people.

Let me give you a little background as to why I never found truth here before. First of all, this is a often quoted scripture in Mormondom. As I'm sure you know, missionary work is big in this church. In fact, I've often complained that we talk more about missionary work than the gospel itself, but that's a post for another day. When my bishop asked me if I was interested in going on a mission, my reply was that I just didn't feel it was the right thing at that point in my life. And that was the truth. My personal feelings about missionary work are that if I am living in a way that people see something that they want, then they will ask me about it. I've never been a go out and tell the world person. I'm a little that way in advertising for voice lessons as well. Yes, I am the one that goes to Orientation and Open House to talk to parents and kids about lessons, but generally I believe that the work I do speaks for itself. If students like what happens in my studio, they will tell friends and family.

So, I've never been one to go out and tell the world to change their lives. I also really had an issue with "crying repentance". The images that came to mind with that phrase are of people on street corners yelling that we are all doomed to Hell unless we change our evil ways.

But yesterday when I read this verse, "crying repentance" meant sharing the joy that we don't have to be stuck in awful situations. Repentance is about life changes. It's about moving forward in positive ways. That is something that I want to share with every people.

So instead of just being done with scriptures for the day, I opened my Book of Mormon to the full chapter to see what else was there. I'll be honest, some of it still doesn't sit very well with me, but I also saw that Alma's feelings about "crying repentance" are very similar to my feelings about teaching people to sing. My comments are in bold.

6 Now, seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called? Sometimes I feel like I should be doing more or doing something that carries more prestige (performing professionally or teaching at a university instead of high school). I know, however, that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. This is where I'm supposed to be and where I can make a difference.

8 For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. I don't have to save the art of singing all by myself. Wonderful teachers and performers are in place to help make sure that happens. I just need to take care of my kids.

9 I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy. Singing and teaching are not about me and my ego. It's about the music and when I can help someone find joy in their lives through music, then I find joy as well. I love being the person that brings light and truth. And I'm glad that God, the universe, and my co-workers have trusted me with this task.

10 And behold, when I see many of my brethren truly penitent, and coming to the Lord their God, then is my soul filled with joy; then do I remember what the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me. I have been given the amazing gift of music and I am so thankful for it in my life.


14 But I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.

15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!

16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy.
It's not just my singing that brings joy into my life. When my students make beautiful sound or discover something new in themselves, or when my colleagues have success in their teaching and performing, it gives me joy. There is not a limit on the amount of joy that can exist. Others succeeding does not take anything away from me.

So there you have it--The Gospel According to Jeannine

Great week!

I've had a very productive week this week, which is good since school starts on the 8th and who knows what I'll be able to do then beyond school stuff. Actually, school stuff if what is consuming my life right now. About a month ago I made a list of all the things that I needed to do before school starts. I've been working on that list and scratching things off, but when I made a new list yesterday, it was longer, not shorter!

My studio webiste is now up and running (and almost error free). You can see it at www.jeanninerobinett.com
Prospective students can register right on the site. Current students can access their own accounts and see when they are scheduled for lessons, how much they owe, rep lists, handouts, etc. I'm excited to see how the students make use of it this year.

I've also spent a lot of time this week revising my studio guide and other handouts. I also started another blog specifically related to all my singing stuff, so hopefully I'll focus more on "deep" issues here. But, you'll still probably get what basically amounts to an online journal entry. If you're interested in the voice blog, you can see it at www.jmrvoicenotes.blogspot.com

Usually I spend Saturday digging out the mess that I make of my house all week, but today, it's not bad. I might actually get some more deep cleaning done. The funny thing is, I'm actually looking forward to it.

Here's something a little bit interesting (hopefully)--For the last few months I've been doing topical scripture study, looking up verses related to whatever interests me that day. One chapter (Colossians 3) keeps resurfacing, even though my topics keep changing. I love verses 14 and 15: "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."

A related scripture that has become my new favorite is Doctrine &Covenants 88:125: "And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace."

What would the world be like if we all did that? What would my life be like if I remembered to live like that more often? Maybe I should add that to the "To Do" list.

Technology update

My computer is mostly working. I have a new (used) power cord. The USB card didn't work, so I had to return it and they didn't have another, so everything that needs a USB port is on hold. I also need to have my crazy cursor fixed. It keeps floating away. But other than that, the computer situation is good.

I haven't switched to high -speed internet yet, but it's on my list of things to do.

The website for my voice studio is just about ready. Hopefully I'll have everything finished by the time school starts.

And if blog and Facebook addictions weren't enough, I now have an iphone addiction. I bought the iphone 3GS for use in my studio and I'm having a great time figuring it out.

So, if it seems I've disappeared, I'm probably either dealing with an issue with my old technology, or getting totally sucked into the new stuff. Love it!

Needs vs. wants

I have big issues with this topic, and not for the reasons you might think. Most people tend to think that their "wants" are needs. For example, the school kids that are on free lunch and can't afford pencils and paper, but have $200 sneakers and the lastest phone and/or mp3 player. Something about that just seems wrong to me, but maybe I'm just jealous.

On the other hand, there is very little in this world that I would classify as a true "need." I don't need or want a TV and I probably won't have one anytime in the near future. But what about technology specifically for use in my job? My "stereo system" is a hand-me down boom-box that is at least 14 or 15 years old and both speakers don't always work at the same time. My computer was purchased for next to nothing when the company my roommate worked for got new computers. It's getting old and having issues, but I just can't justify the expense of a new computer, when this isn't totally dead yet.

And now to the real issue--internet access. I have dial-up and consider that a want. I can live without both the computer and internet access. But...high speed internet would make my life (and work) so much easier. In order to have my business function at an optimal level, is it a need yet ? I don't know. But I do think I'm going to find out a little more today. Sometimes you "need" to do things that take you out of your comfort zone. I just hope that all these recent business "needs" turn out to make my work more effective, efficient, and enjoyable and that the time and energy I save will help me to take care of myself better.

Maybe it's a good thing I don't have kids

I don't have kids and that's OK. Sometimes I wonder how I would be able to teach them to be good people without making them totally neurotic. For example, today I heard something on the radio about tattling. I can't even remember the context. I just remember thinking that lots of kids over the years have gotten themselves in trouble when tattling on others. Yes, it's good to teach kids not to tell you every bad thing that someone else does just because they want to get that person in trouble.

On the other hand, when we teach people not to tell, we teach people to keep secrets, and not all secrets should be kept. If someone is hurting you, you should tell. If someone is hurting someone else, you should tell.

So how do you teach them when to keep quiet and when to find someone that can do something about the situation?