When We Count Our Blessings...

With it being Thanksgiving, we all tend to reflect a big more deeply on all of the blessings we have, and the endless reasons we have to be thankful.

Robert D Hales spoke the following words: "Gratitude is a state of appreciation, an act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring from someone else which lifts us and strengthens us."

Indescribable gratitude fills our hearts toward our Heavenly Father for the countless ways He provides for and blesses us. We have so much to be thankful for and are humbled by His goodness to us.

And when we count our blessings, we count our families a million times...

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Ladies Night

Tonight we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the semi-annual "Ladies Night" at the Deseret Book in the Layton Hills Mall. What a fun thing to be able to meet and spend an evening with so many amazing people! Here are a few pictures (Thanks Selma!):

Singing some of our songs
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We met some new friends from Haiti

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With some of our young friends from the Arise Youth Spectacular

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Signing some cds
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Thank you to everyone who came out and participated for such a fun and wonderful evening!

Our Reasons To Sing...

To our wonderful families. You are why we have reason to sing...

The Bastian Family

The Hales Family

The Musgrave Family

In Remembrance of 9/11...

In remembrance of 9/11, join us in honoring those who have sacrificed so much. Please send this “We Are America” video link to those you think are proud to be Americans! America stands as a symbol to the world as the "home of the free, and the land of the brave" ... "One Nation Under God". May we all do our part to protect and honor this great country.

Click here to visit our website to purchase this song, or go to positivemusicanddownloads.com (It is found on the “Arise” CD.)

Arise Review/Giveaway

Our 'Arise' cd was featured on a blog! Click on the link to check it out and enter for the chance to win a copy of the cd...

http://www.hail2thesnowqueen.blogspot.com/2010/08/heartbound-arise-review-giveaway.html

BYU Provo Education Week

Here are some pictures from our time at Education Week on the BYU campus in Provo...

Me'Chel's daughters Krishel and Katee and Lori's daughter Tesha joined us on Friday. Oh how we missed Debbie's daughter, Britney who is living in California...

Performing in the Madsen Recital Hall...

With our friend Robin, and pianist extraordinaire-Marvin Goldstein....

With friends...

We had a wonderful time at Education Week! Thank you, thank you, to all of you who attend our classes. You are so good to keep coming back year after year!

We have been so blessed to make so many wonderful friends through Ed Week, and each year we continue to make many new friends. We feel so blessed to have this opportunity to rub shoulders with you and meet such amazing people.

School Days...

For many, these last two weeks have been the time of going back to school. Its a time of excitement and maybe some apprehension. Apprehension for those little ones starting Kindergarten or First grade, as it is something so new to them. It is hard for them to be away from mom but just as hard for mom, with them being away--even if it is only for a few hours! And that difficulty returns years later as they leave for college and then the distances become a few hours away!...

Life is like going away to school. We left our Heavenly Home to come to Earth to gain an education of sorts. We came to learn some lessons, and take some tests. We knew that it would be difficult at times, and the tasks and tests would be very challenging. But we also knew that if we are to remain faithful during all of this, that once we 'graduate' from this life, the reward will be incomprehensibly worth it.

Consider these words from Elder Neal A Maxwell:
"Thus the relentless love of our Father in heaven is such that in His omniscience, He will not allow the cutting short some of the brief experiences we are having here. To do so would be to deprive us of everlasting experiences and great joy there. What else would an omniscient and loving Father do, even if we plead otherwise? He must at times say no.
"Furthermore, since there was no exemption from the suffering for Christ, how can there be one for us? Do we really want immunity from adversity? Especially when certain kinds of suffering can aid our growth in this life? To deprive ourselves of those experiences, much as we might momentarily like to, would be to deprive ourselves of the outcomes over which we shouted with anticipated joy when this life's experiences were explained to us so long ago, in the world before we came here.
"Life is a school in which we enrolled not only voluntarily but rejoicingly; and if the school's Headmaster employs a curriculum--proven, again and again on other planets, to bring happiness to participants--and if we agreed that once we were enrolled there would be no withdrawals, and also to undergo examinations that would truly test our ability and perceptivity, what would an experienced Headmaster do if, later on, there were complaints? Especially if, in His seeming absence, many of the school children tore up their guiding notebooks and demanded that He stop the examinations since these produced some pain" There is, to use jargon from American higher education, no way to "CLEP" [test out of] the examinations of the second estate; one learns but taking the full course!
"Even in the context of acknowledging His omniscience, the chastening experiences of life are difficult enough for us to bear. We could not trust in the perfectness of God's judgment if we did not first know that He foresaw and carefully calibrated our chastening and learning experiences accordingly.
"In order for "all these things" to make sense, we must come to understand that God has "all sense." Only then can we repose with confidence in His perfect love!"

So, in the midst of life and it's tests, let us remember the oft quoted words, "He never said it would be easy, He only said it would be worth it..."

Baby Noah

This week, Lori became the proud new Grandma of baby Noah!...

Rexburg Recap

Here are a few pictures for your viewing enjoyment that we took while at Education Week in Idaho...

With our friends Celestia and Lola...

Ding Ding Ding went the Trolley...

Paybacks...The night of our concert we called Marvin Goldstein out of the audience to preform a song with us. The next night as we were watching his concert, he called us out of the audience to preform a song with him! What an incredible and talented man he is.

Us and Marvin...

We had a wonderful time in Rexburg! Thank you to all who came and attended our classes and concert. We appreciate you so very much!

BYU-Idaho Education Week Schedule

It's Off to BYU-Idaho for Education Week. Come one, come all! Here is a look at our schedule...

11:30-12:25
Music "For Such A Time As This"
Thursday: "Having A Perfect Brightness Of Hope" (1 Nephi 31:20)
Friday: "He Hath Heard My Cry" (2 Nephi 4:23)
Saturday: "Arise, And Shine Forth" (D&C 115:5)


12:45-1:40
All Things Shall Work Together For Good (D&C 100:15)
Thursday: "Cheer Up Your Hearts" (2 Nephi 10:23)
Friday: "Burdens Were Made Light" (Mosiah 24:15)
Saturday: "Give Thanks In All Things" (Mosiah 26:39)

We are also doing a concert Thursday night- July 29th at 7:30 at the Snow Drama Theater. You can order tickets online at www.byui.edu/tickets

For more information on attending, registering, class schedules, times and locations etc, you can go to www.byui.edu/educationweek

Hope to see you there!

In the Church News...

We are still in awe of the youth from the Arise event...such incredible young people! Check out the article that was in the Church News this week:

www.ldschurchnews.com

(Just click on the above link
and it will bring up the article)

Pioneer Day

With Pioneer Day being tomorrow, we wanted to share this video with you as a tribute to those Saints who sacrificed so much, many their own lives, so that we might fully enjoy and be free to live the Gospel.




The following words were spoken by a brother in the Martin Handcart Company:
"We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but did you ever hear a survivor of that company utter a word of criticism?…
“I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it.
“I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.
“Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company."

With those humbling words in mind, we found it fitting to put these images to How Great Thou Art. For with all the suffering these Saints endured, they still praised their God, acknowledged His power and glory, never doubting His constant love and awareness of them.

In humble conclusion, consider these words from President Hinckley, "Should we be surprised if we are called upon to endure a little criticism, to make some small sacrifice for our faith, when our forbears paid so great a price for theirs?”

This song can be found on our 'Arise' cd,
available on our website heartboundmusic.com
as well as Deseret Book and Seagull Book and Tape

(this video was made by our friend Shannon Harton)

Me'Chel's Shining Shimmering Splendid Specs...

Me'Chel recently went to New York with her husband. While there, she purchased some new reading glasses. They were a total baragain...only $2.00!

Later as she was trying them out she realized that she had received a wonderful bonus...they not only help her read but THEY LIGHT UP! Yeah, that's right, they illuminate!

They have quickly become the envy of everyone...

Just look at the awe and wonder in Debbie's face, these glasses are mesmerizing...

So friends, if you are lucky and ask pretty pretty please, you just might get to see these lovely spectacles for yourself, at oh maybe Education Week?

Youth Spectacular...Spectacular Youth!

ARISE AND

FORTH

On July 16th and 17th, 2010- 30 Ogden area stakes combined their efforts to produce the Arise Youth Spectacular...and spectacular it was!

With over 3,500 youth, 170 full time missionaries, and the Weber State Institute all coming together to present one of the most incredible productions Ogden has ever seen. An estimated 45,000 people came to see them in the two nights, and set an all time attendance record at Weber State University. The event was stunning from start to finish.

Here are some of the pictures...

(The beginning of the program, singing "Arise")

(I Am A Child Of God...)

(A Glimpse Into The Pre-Existence...)

(Celebrating The Light...)

(Part of the finale...)

We, Heartbound, are blessed beyond measure to have been able to rub shoulders with these amazing youth over the last year. They have touched our hearts and inspired us to be better. We had the privilege of writing the song that was chosen as the theme..."Arise." What an honor it was to be able to stand on the same field and sing this song with such incredible youth. Our lives will be forever changed by participating in this event.

Arise Youth Spectacular Rehearsals...

We are so humbled to be included in an incredible event like the Arise Youth Spectacular that will be going on this Friday and Saturday at Weber State University. Over 3,500 youth will be participating.

We thought it would be fun to share with you some of the pictures that have been taken (by Melissa Seamons) at some of the rehearsals to give you an idea of what an amazing thing it is to see what these youth have spent so much time practicing for and to see them in action...

Arise...Shine Forth...Be A Light Unto The World...

We will go forth...We will march on...
We will not fear..We will be strong...

(To see more pictures and for more details, go to
ariseandshineforth.com)

Happy Birthday Debbie!

Happy Happy Birthday Debbie!

Wishing you a most wonderful day...

Love,
Lori and Me'Chel

Ogden Amphitheater

Come see us tonight @ the Ogden Amphitheater (343 E. 25th St) The Show starts @ 7:30.

Headlining the event is the Nashville Tribute Band. They are the ones who did "Joseph: A Nashville Tribute To The Prophet" as well as "Trek: A Nashville Tribute To The Pioneers."

Also performing is Kim Smith, who is the great great great granddaughter of Joseph and Emma Smith. (Here is a link to read an article that was written about her last week in the Ogden Standard Examiner: http://www.standard.net/node/44818 )

Should be a wonderful evening. Would love to see you there!...

Sunday Thought...

"I testify of God's love and the Savior's power to calm the storm. Always remember in that biblical story [of Peter walking on the water] that [Christ] was out there on the water also...Only one who has fought against these ominous waves is justified in telling us - as well as the sea - to 'be still' [Mark 4:39].
Only one who has taken the full brunt of such adversity could
ever be justified in telling us in such times to
'be of good cheer' [John 16:33]."

~Jeffrey R Holland (Ensign Nov 1999)

The storms we speak of are figurative, though the trials we experience are very real and they test us to our very limits. So as the 'winds and waves' of adversity rage around us, we must try our best to be still and trust the One who knows and loves and aids us perfectly. Believe Him. He is who He says He is, and He will do all that He says He will do for us. He will see you safely through the storm. Take His hand, hold on tight, be of good cheer, and know that you could be in no better hands.

A Choice Land

Today we celebrate America, the land of the free. What a gift we have...freedom! Too often we take this gift for granted, and don't realize all that we have, and are able to do, because we are free. Not just today, but everyday, we should offer up prayers of gratitude to God for the blessing of living in such a choice land. Gratitude for the gift of freedom. Gratitude for those who founded this great country, and for those who continue to fight to protect it.

Consider these words spoken by President Ezra Taft Benson:

"I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document.
To me its words are akin to the revelations of God,
for God has placed His stamp of approval upon it.
"I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits
to lay the foundation of this government,
and He has now sent other choice spirits to help preserve it.
"We, the blessed beneficiaries of the Constitution,
face difficult days in America,
"a land which is choice above all other lands." (Ether 2:10)
"May God give us the faith and the courage
exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
"May we be equally as valiant and as free,
I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

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"Stand tall and proud...
Hand in hand, and side by side...
One nation under God, We are America!"

Sunday Thought

"Gratitude is not a courtesy,
but a commandment."
-Marion G Romney

Mosiah 26:39
"...being commanded of God
to pray without ceasing,
and to give thanks in all things."

We must remember to thank God always.
Even in the most trying and difficult times of our lives.
For He is always with us, always blessing us.

Pre-Sale

Here are the rest of the promised details
about the new cd
and how you can get your copy!...

Pre-Order your new "Arise" cd for only $11.95
(retails at $14.95)
This includes free shipping and all pre-orders will be autographed

This special offer is good from now until July 15th

"Arise" is intended to span the bridge to include all Christian faiths.
It includes 14 songs with a few well known favorites such as
"I Can Only Imagine", "How Great Thou Art", and "Ave Maria".
As well as original songs written by Heartbound, it includes a special
tribute to America and our military entitled "We Are America",
co-written with Jim Funk.

Click on the link below to reserve your copy today!
heartboundmusic.com

Sunday Thought...

"Opposition is evidence
of the truth at work."
~Mary Ellen Edmunds~


~D&C 58: 4-6~
"For after much tribulation come the blessings.
Wherefore the day cometh that ye
shall be crowned with much glory;
the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.
"Remember this, which I tell you before,
that you may lay it to heart,
and receive that which is to follow.
"Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you-
that you might be obedient, and that your hearts
might be prepared to bear testimony of
the things which are to come."

'Arise' Is Complete!

Our new cd, 'Arise' is officially finished! Stay tuned, as we will be posting details very soon as to when and where you can purchase your copy. (Maybe, just maybe there will be an 'early bird special'...hint-hint.)

Here is a sneak peak of the cover:

Okay, that is enough sneaking and peaking... but we promise the rest of the details will be up soon so check back often...

Sunday Thought...

"Patient endurance permits us to cling to our faith in the Lord
and our faith in His timing when we are being tossed about by the surf of circumstance. Even when a seeming undertow grasps us,
somehow, in the tumbling, we are being carried forward, though battered and bruised."

-Neal A Maxwell (Ensign May 1990)

Sunday Thought...

"The temple is a place where the Lord's people have always gone to be fortified, strengthened, and blessed before the performance of arduous, challenging, difficult tasks. It was so in the past; it is so today. The temple is the ultimate place of refuge and blessing."

-Andrew Skinner
("Temple Worship 20 Truths That Will Bless Your Life" p.10)

Last Night In The Studio...

IT'S OFFICIAL...WE HAVE FINISHED RECORDING OUR NINTH STUDIO ALBUM!!!

It is entitled 'Arise.' We can't wait for you to hear it! It should be available in stores for purchase by mid-July.

Here is a little behind the scenes look as were in the studio finishing up recording on one of our new songs, 'We Are America'...


(Just click on the little play icon on the gray bar below the black screen, and Voila! the clip will appear)

Salmon and Pocatello, Idaho

We are back from a wonderful time in Idaho... Our dear friend Lola Hamilton asked us to come to beautiful Salmon, Idaho to present a program on May 19th. The Single Adults in the stake, fed us a wonderful meal before the program!

(Here we are with Marlene Gibson, Debbie Baldwin, and Lola Hamilton)


(Debbie and Lola overlooking the Salmon River)

The next day, we were off to Pocatello! We were invited to present a program at the Pocatello West Women's Conference. The Relief Society and the Young Women combined and we had a great evening together. Some long-time friends came to visit us while we were in the area...Jolene Holverson, Mary Jo Stucki, and Mitsue Stanfield came from Idaho Falls.

(Us with Jolene, Mary Jo, and Mitsue)

Thank you Idaho, for such a wonderful two days!

Happy Birthday Lori!

Happy Happy Birthday, Lori dear
Happy days will come to you all year
If we had a wish, then it would be
A happy, happy birthday to you from me!

Love,
Debbie and Me'Chel

Bountiful

May 6th, 2010

Here we did a program in Bountiful Utah... It was a wonderful evening. The sisters were lovely. And it was so nice to have so many familiar faces there that night. We had folks in attendance that came from as far away as Florida!

Welcome!

Greetings Friends!

So we have decided to enter the blogging world!... We figured this way we can keep you all up to date on what is going on with Heartbound. We will try to post announcements, program dates and locations, as well as 'stories from the road' and from our lives. For those of you who know us, you know that there is rarely a dull moment when we are together! We will also try to post some little 'blasts from the past' to show you and share with you some of the places we have been...

There is a place to comment at the end of each post. Please feel free to leave your comments, feelings, imput, etc...We would love to hear what you think.

We hope you enjoy!...