One Mission Decision

I make no qualms about the fact that I am a fan of David Archuleta. It is because of him, his music, his testimony and his example that I am active back in the LDS church once again. He and David Osmond's personal testimony to me to return to church have changed my life for the better.

On December 19th at the My Kind of Christmas concert with David Archuleta, he made the announcement during his encore that he would be serving a full time mission. The crowd exploded and was behind him.

I was happy for him from the beginning but admittedly sad too because I knew I would miss him. My emotions and thoughts were a mixed mess on the way back home from the concert.
My thoughts were turned to noticing how calm everything was. No wind, so peaceful. My mixed thoughts soon turned into a calmness similar to the night air I was noticing. I had assurity in my thoughts that this calling for David was from Heavenly Father and that we as fans did not have the right to be possessive of him or his time. The time he spends on his mission will be for our Father in Heaven, teaching the gospel to those who will hear.
The morning of New Years eve I decided to use my new video camera and on my video I included a message to David and a song for him. "In the Hollow of Thy Hand" by Janice Kapp Perry. I wish David all the success on his mission and that the Lord will keep him safe. God bless him!

The speaking part of my video is a little soft, so this is what I said:

"Hi David! I know a lot of people have sent video messages and I didn’t take my chance yet to do that so here I am.

I wanted to let you know that being at the concert during your mission announcement was incredible! The crowd was so loud and behind you and you felt it with such emotion. Your decision hasn’t been easy for everyone but I feel in my heart that it is a calling from our Father in Heaven because I could feel the spirit so strong in the room.

I was reading in 2^nd Nephi today and was touched by chapter 32:3. Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

After reading it, some thoughts came to my mind. I know that through Heavenly Father we get personal revelation in our own lives and I know this is the feeling you get from the Holy Spirit when you talked at BYU Idaho how you do what you do for Him and because of Him. And at your announcement you said you need to follow that feeling you’ve always felt that directed you in your life.

. Though I will miss you I am proud of your decision, knowing too that it couldn’t have been an easy one to make. When and where you’re going is a well kept secret because nobody knows who aren’t in your family or closest friends, or those leaders in your ward who know. I hope wherever it is that you are kept safe and that you come back home safe and to the loving arms of your family and friends and will be able to be here again for your fans

So many fans have vowed to be here for you when you return from your mission. I’m putting together a scrapbook for you which will center around the LDS temples of the world and a list of fans who live near these temples who have vowed to be here for you and show their support for you. I hope to be able to present it to you before you leave for your mission but will share the pages here on your fan groups too so you and the fans can see it before you leave.

I was so touched by the fan videos and with those and my own personal experiences I know what an influence you are on countless people. People like me who have brought the gospel back into their lives, or have become baptized because they want to know what it is you’re all about so they seek the truth. People who have become better and more faithful in their own religions whatever they may be. People who have given service because of your example, or who have had the courage to share their talents because of your encouragement.

You are more than just an idol to us David, you’re a shining example of what kind of people we want to be. The people in whatever country you go to teach will be surely blessed that you are their missionary. For you, I want to give you my own personal gift of a song sung at many a missionary farewell. I tried to find sheet music for it that also wouldn’t cost way too much to ship but I wasn’t successful. So, I’m going to sing it a cappella so bare with me because just like you, I’m not a morning singer, though you sing better in the mornings than I do. The song is called In the Hollow of Thy Hand."

.

.In the Hollow of Thy Hand by Janice Kapp Perry

Dear Lord who blesses us with love

Please send this day thy spirit from above.

As this thy son, accepts a call from thee

Help him we pray to learn humility.

Direct his footsteps everyday

And keep him ever walking in thy ways

Inspire him as he spreads the gospel plan

Lord, hold him in the hollow of thy hand

Chorus:

In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man

Help his understanding deepen and increase

In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man

Let him know the special blessing of thy peace.

Dear Lord, who hears and answers prayers,

Please keep thy servant always in thy care

As he prepares to teach his fellow men

Oh keep him safe and bring him home again.

Protect him from all worldly ways

And always send they spirit when he prays.

Give him the courage of a righteous man

Just hold him in the hollow of thy hand

(Chorus)

(last Chorus)

In the hollow of thy hand as he grows from boy to man

Help his understanding deepen and increase

As he faces life’s demands, may he take a valiant stand.

Give him shelter in the hollow of thy hand.

Edit Nov 24, 2012. David has been gone now almost 8 months and he is in the Racangua, Chile mission. He already has been able to sing at a couple of music devotionals and will be doing some Christmas ones next month for the people in Chile. This time on his mission really is going by quickly. I love this time of year because seriously, nobody sings Christmas songs like David. Today is also the 3rd anniversary of when Alyssa, Kaili and I saw him in concert for his Christmas From the Heart tour. Amazing memories. Seems like yesterday!  In just a few weeks will be one year ago when David made his mission announcement. Wow!