The Magnolia Tree

I recently did a post about a Woman named Mrs. High. She had a large & beautiful Magnolia Tree in her yard. They could be messy, but they were pretty & had a pleasant smell as I recall.

My mother shared with me recently that Mrs. High's daughters decided it was time to remove the tree. They are preparing to possibly sell the house & the tree was large enough that the view of the house was blocked. I know next time we visit I will miss seeing it & smelling the flowers. I felt a sense of loss as I thought about it.

Fast forward a few weeks... Bryan & I received a letter from UNT Health Science Center. They were inviting us to a ceremony in honor of their donors. Our mother, Miriam, was a body donor. The TCOM Class of 2012 dedicated a Magnolia Tree on the campus to honor all the donors! I felt it was very thoughtful of the student body to acknowledge the donors in this way.

I received a extra blessing from God in that our loved one was honored & we have a new magnolia tree to enjoy! Only God could orchestrate these events in this way! Thank you God for blessing me with a new Magnolia tree in my life!

Reflections on Brahms Requiem

In March the Choir I sing in performed the Brahm's Requiem in German. I have done this work in at least 1 maybe 2 other performances. It is a beautiful, though difficult work. It requires much of the singer especially in the German. In our previous performances I felt like it was more work & I focused on the technical. However this time was different for me. Because I had sung this work before, I felt more relaxed. I could now focus more on the music as far as details like phrasing, shaping, & other expression. Although we had done those things in the previous performances, it seemed to really become part of me this time. It was truly a blessing to sing this piece. One of my favorite parts is movement IV. The words are taken from Psalm 84:1-2, & 4. KJV bible is used in this piece.

'How lovely is Thy dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts!
For my soul, it longeth, yea fainteth for the courts of the
Lord; my soul and body crieth out, yea, for the living God.
O blest are they that dwell within Thy house they praise Thy
name evermore!

Thank you God for your word & for composers who you gave the talent to write great music!