More Choir inspiration...:)

It has been amazing to me how much of this calling has had so little to do with my singing capabilities. I was called because the Lord truly knew that I needed this experience. I hope this isn't too personal to share, I just feel so excited about remembering who I really am, that I wanted to share it!!
"I am the precious adornment worn around the neck of my ancestors!"
Those are the Hawaiian words (but in well, english) that Merilee sings to us (in hawaiian) before each practice. She talked to us about the meaning behind the song. To know who you are and to feel the happiness and humility of knowing "who we are." We are all "the precious adornment(s) worn around the neck of our ancestors."
I wanted to share a quick experience I had this last week while practicing the songs we will be singing:
I was sitting at my kitchen table with my music in front of me and I was listening to the practice CD and following along. I started thinking about how out of practice I am and how high the notes were (I'm singing first soprano....whoo!). I was just being hard on myself and finding fault in my voice, when clearly and distinctly I felt my dad's spirit standing next to me....It was so powerful. I felt him say to me, that he was proud of me, and that I sounded beautiful. I could no longer read my music because my eyes were so wet with tears. And, at that moment...I knew, without a doubt, that my dad felt I was his precious adornment and he wanted me to know that he loved me! I miss him so much! I miss his voice! Honestly, this calling has been a strong reminder of what my dad loved and embraced for such a long period of his life....The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I can now relate with the strong spirit he felt while singing songs of the Savior, the Gospel and of Life and Love. He used to tell me how powerful it was....now I know.
Merilee reminded us at our last rehearsal, that women from all over the world, in different languages, will be listening to us, but that there may be many women who may not feel like watching, who are struggling and feel lost, or who are watching with a hardened heart. She invited us to pray for these women with her. Not pray that we would look good, or sing well, or whatever. Pray for OTHERS. I have, and I will continue to do so. If you feel like it, maybe you could too?
I know these posts have been so serious....that won't always be the case. I mean, we're talking about me and my family here. Crazy, fly by the seat of your pants Cook family! :) Thanks for reading and baring with my love for the gospel, my Savior,and this amazing experience.
Oh, and Sister Beck herself showed up to our practice 2 weeks ago. She was so sweet and her spirit was very strong. She asked us to pray for her, so that she would know what message she needs to convey through the spirit during conference. I could sense so much humility and true longing to serve us all as the Lord wants her to.
Ok, that's all now, I promise! Our last rehearsal is this Sunday...Bitter sweet.
Love to all!

General Women's Conference Choir

Ok, so I started this blog over a year ago (while working full time), and then never got around to actually posting anything on it. I am a big slacker.
Now that I am home again full time and Pete is back to work, I actually have a few minutes to devote to our blog.
I am not very insightful or creative. So....be patient with me while I figure all this out!

Now onto what I really want to tell you about!
I was issued a calling in August to be a part of the General Women's Conference Choir. The conference is on Sept. 27. I am so grateful for the oppotunity to sing with so many amazaing women!! It has been such an uplifting, encouraging and faith promoting experience for me. It has changed my life...to be honest, in many small and significant ways.
Let me say first, that I didn't fully understand why a "call" was issued for this opportunity, but now I do. We are required to be to each and every practice NO MATTER WHAT . We were told that if we got sick, that we were to still attend and practice, we would just sit with the nurse/doctor (that is available each week) in the foyer of the chapel. This was serious business.
We have been rehearsing for about 5 weeks now. We rehearse on Sunday evenings at a central Stake center here in Highland. These practices last about 2 1/2 hours. Here's where I point out how awesome my husband is...He's WAY awesome. He has been so supportive of my absence for these practices. I really apprecite that!
Anyway, each practice has actually been more like an amazing fireside for women! We have an inspirational thought from one of the Stake presidents in the region, and attending is always either a member of the General Relief Society board, or the presidency. Sweet Sis. Allred spoke to us at the first practice we had. Whoever is attending from the RS board/presidency always speaks to us as well. It's been SO amazing to sit just rows away from these women and feel their enormous spirits and their love.
Marilee Web is the conductor. SHE-IS-FABULOUS!!! I wish I could take all of you with me to a practice so you could see her in action. She has us laughing to the point of tears, she has us crying from the depth of her amazing love and testimony and she is a beautiful person!
She gave us the challenge last week to "add to a room when we enter it, instead of taking from it." Wow. Do I take from the room? I realized that I do...most of the time. I have been trying this (not as well as I should have, but I will) and I have noticed that I feel more positive about myself, my circumstances and my family. I will continue to take her challenge this next week. I would encourage any of you who read this to try it for yourselves. Try it with me. Let me know what it does for you.
I wish I had more time to write some of the other neat experiences I've had. I will write more next week. I am excited to see what she challenges us with tomorrow.
Thanks for reading such a long post!