David James Archuleta (born December 28, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. At ten years old, he won the children's division of the Utah Talent Competition leading to other television singing appearances.[6] When he was twelve years old, Archuleta became the Junior Vocal Champion on Star Search 2.[6] In 2007, at sixteen years old, he became one of the youngest contestants on the seventh season of American Idol.[7] In May 2008 he finished as the runner-up, receiving 44 percent of over 97 million votes.
This is a partial drawing of David Archuleta by @jPaleFOD who posted it on Twitter. Even though it is unfinished, it gave me so much to think about. The Shakespeare quote, “The Eyes are the windows to your soul” came to mind, as the eyes are the most prominent feature in this sketch of David. Sketch: “a simply or hastily executed drawing or painting, especially a preliminary one, giving the essential features without the details.” (Definition by Dictionary.com.) I was also struck by the impression that this image could reveal or even represent where David is, in his journey back to a professional career.
Being away from the normal existence of family and friends can bring on a feeling of isolation. The rest of the world is absent in your day to day life. Even if you are in a place where you have a purpose, such as a mission for your faith, it can be difficult to feel a connection to what had meant the most to you before. Responsibility for guiding others on a path that you know well, but one that they may not grasp right away, can bring you into unfamiliar territory. Doubt is your constant companion. How do you get someone to believe as you believe when they do not yet have the same touchstones in faith? Are you equipped with adequate words to bring them into your fold? In the end, will you ever know if you made a difference in their lives?
Have you changed how you view the way things are? Your growth in all areas is a sign that you have learned some lessons about trusting your intuition. These are life lessons that come from experiences not taught by books, but by interacting with people whose actions need deciphering. You have gained the maturity to know who is on your side, and those who only want something from you. A life once lived in a bubble may not relate to a life now lived in harsh reality. You experience so much of life surrounding you that seems fake. Your craft could be the only thing you trust. It is the one true constant. Regardless of the isolation you now feel inside your craft, it sustains your creative nature. It is one of the things you trust to carry you forward in your life. There is no hesitation where music is concerned. You are a believer in the power and emotion that takes over your being when you sing.
Knowing your truth is the first step on your journey back to your true calling of music. You discovered that what you accomplished on your mission of faith is tied closely to your mission of music. It is the belief in yourself and the confidence of the powers of your craft that sustains you and will carry you forward. Using your voice to touch those willing to feel the emotion and be healed, is your Gift. Use it wisely David, and all your heartfelt dreams will be realized.
Today, March 24th marks at least one year since David has returned from serving his two-year mission. Like everyone else, I was so happy to see him back and thankful he got back to his family safely.
It’s amazing how much time flies sometimes. From heading or transferring to a new college, weddings, graduations, birthdays, whatever else may have happened to all of us in the past year, we aren’t the same as we were prior.
For me, 2014 was a difficult year. Lost weight, lost my cat, a second episode of depression…so much heartache and pain. David being back didn’t seem to alleviate all of my struggles, but it gave me a distraction from everything for a while.
Regardless of those struggles, none of us are the same since David came back a year ago. Some of us have stayed to wait it out; some of us have left or moved on for whatever reason. Some of us chose to believe and have faith when, to others, it just seemed impossible.
I’ve been reflecting the past few days as I write this. Having my spring break last week and taking some initiative with where I wanted to go in my life, I’ve seen how much I’ve grown and changed in the past year. I am definitely not the broken girl who had hit rock bottom with her faith and with everything around her a year ago. Just like David has grown, adjusted, and taken time to reconnect with himself, with his life. Not just his life, but his music, what he wants to say to his fans in that music, what he wants to say to the world…and what he wants to say for himself.
At times we got frustrated with him; I’ve had my moments too. Other times, we were excited for him, wondering about where he would take his career next after being away for two years. We worried about if he’s changed so much since those two years away, and if, due to his silence, if he even still wanted a career.
Well, I know one thing from what I’ve observed of David.
He doesn’t give up so easily.
In today’s music industry where we have—people who shall remain nameless—we need people like David to give us hope in good people, to make us feel good and inspired, and also to give us a chance to grow and change from what we learn from him or learn about ourselves.
I know, for me, and people who know me probably know this part of the story, but David was my light in a dark place. That unexpected/unanswered prayer who…
…switched something on in me again. Lit up something in me again that was snuffed out prematurely.
For a lot of us, life changed the very first time we saw David. For me, it took him going away for two years to make me really take a step back and realize what I was truly blessed with, what God placed in my life when I didn’t even ask for it.
A young man around my age, shy like me, who just wanted to do what he loved to help people. Someone that actually cared about the platform he was given, someone who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what mattered to him, and someone who was willing to take a step back himself with his life, and learn something he had to learn in order to move forward.
I’ve been afraid of disappointment, of being let down. Some people have thought that of David during the past year, and I can understand. When going through my personal demons, I struggled with my connection with David, letting other people bother me and letting doubts run my life…
…until I realized enough was enough.
Now, on this March 24th, I am still Kristin. I haven’t changed that much, but I’ve been healing. Taking it one day at a time with myself and with what David plans to do with his career and music next. The news last night of an announced concert has gotten us all hopeful again, excited for the future.
For me…it feels so close in this battle of personal doubts and fears from the past five years, trying to gain the courage to finally see, for myself, a man who has been such a gift in my life, who made me wake up and see where I was and the potential I have to do good, just as he has even before becoming famous.
To look him in the eyes and say, “You got me through the toughest years of my life.”
To hug him, have a picture with him, and see for myself that this has been worth it all this time.
Just as David is worth it…and was worth waiting for, and fighting for.
Sir: What a beautiful song David, thank you. And thank you for being here with us today. David: Yes, it’s a pleasure for me to be here with you, thank you. Sir: We have received many questions David, are you ready to answer? David: Yes, I believe so. Sir: How are you? David: I’m very well, I’m very happy, I love that song. It always fills me with joy, so I’m very well. Sir: There is a question in regards to music. David, it’s obvious that music is an important part of your life, tell us why it is so important to you? David: That’s a good question. Well, I think since I was young, six years old and also before, I always felt something with music. My parents, both sides of my family, were always doing things with music. I always felt something different and when I would start to sing I think I would feel that same thing. I was always singing in the house and in the yard and things like that. But when others started listening I realized that they felt something and I could tell that they were feeling the same thing as I. They would say, I feel something now, thank you for singing. It took me some time to understand what was happening because I didn’t think I sang very well but I liked doing it. When that happened I realized that it was a gift, that they could feel the same thing as I. It’s not like saying, oh I have a gift. It’s a blessing for me to feel closer to God and closer to other people. And it was incredible that others could feel the same thing, which is the power of music. Madam: When you face challenges is there a song that helps you? David: Wow there are many songs that always help me. Well if we’re speaking of hymns, there is one that I’d like to sing today. This was a song that I sang during my mission, I sang more than any other song. I’d like to share it with everyone. There are many songs; it’s a very difficult question. There is one called “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Madam: That is one of my favorites too. David: I’ve listened to it so many times. I also like other songs, not only church songs, hymns. There is one that is called What A Wonderful World, I love it. Songs like this make me happy. But, I was speaking with someone the other day and I was saying there is one song that I’ve listened to the most and has made me cry, in Spanish, it’s “Source of My Blessings.” That song says that we are not perfect, but we still feel we need to be closer to God. Madam: And God takes our hearts, we get closer to him. David: Yes. Sir: David, we received a question from Gladys of Argentina, she asks, I’d like to know if you have ever written a hymn, or would you like to? David: Oh, I never have but it would be interesting to try it, I’ve thought about, I tried once, but it is difficult. I’m developing my songwriting skills. Even writing pop songs was a bit difficult for me. But since returning from my mission I’ve been writing a lot. I’m feeling more comfortable with that. I don’t feel much pressure from others, so they’re flowing out easily, and it’s fun. Maybe someday I’ll attempt again to write a hymn. Madam: There are probably people who believe that music comes easily to you. Tell us what you have done to develop your musical talents. David: Practice, practice, practice all the time. I believe that to develop any skills takes much time. The thing that has helped me the most is doing it many times. I remember doing it when I was young, six, seven, eight years old. I’d be singing every day the songs of my favorite artists. Repeating the songs so I could sound like them. Because at the beginning I sounded nothing like them. It was hard. So I’d do it over and over, for hours. I believe that we need to be patient with all that we want to develop in life, to have progress. It takes time, patience, and diligence. Sir: David, you served a mission in Chile, correct? David: Yes po. (A Chilean expression, adding Po after yes) Sir: And you returned three months ago. David: Ohh time flies, ay ay ay. Sir: We received many questions about your mission. Silvana asks, how did the decision to go on a mission come about while having a singing career? David: Well, I’ve always wanted to go on a mission, since I was young. I always knew I’d go, even though I didn’t know how I was going to speak to anyone, I don’t know how to communicate with others, I’ve only been doing it through music. I didn’t expect to be on a television show, singing and suddenly everyone recognizes you. I didn’t expect that. Even with that, I still always wanted to go on a mission. But I thought, how am I going to it? Maybe it was a sign from God that I was doing what I was supposed to do with music. But I was never satisfied with it, something was always missing. I attempted many times to go on a mission, but things like contracts, people who thought “what?” They’d say, “it’s crazy to want to do that.” But that same feeling that has always guided me to sing, the decisions I made, the songs I picked to sing was the same feeling that told me you have to go on a mission, you’re going to learn something, your life is going to change, you’re going to meet people, you’re going to learn things that you won’t learn any other way. It was a difficult decision to make, follow and be diligent; it was the most incredible decision of my life. Madam: Nail wants to know, what is the difference between pre-mission David and today’s David, after your mission? David: Well, I think I feel more comfortable with myself. Before the mission I was always worried about what others would think of me. I had to please everyone even though everyone wanted something different. I was afraid to trust myself. I doubted myself a lot and in the mission I had to learn to trust in myself. There wasn’t anyone saying you have to do that, you have to do this and that. There was a Mission President but he would say, I trust in you. It’s going to be fine and I know that you will do things well. I would go ahhhh, but I don’t know what I’m going to do? I’m not a good missionary, I don’t know how to speak to people, I don’t understand what these people are saying and many other things. But I began to learn, well I wanted to, I’m here to learn more about God, and the Savior Jesus Christ. I won’t be able to love God and love the people I’m visiting and teaching if I can’t love myself. I can’t trust in God If I can’t trust in myself. I think that a large part of the mission and the reason why I had to go and serve is because God had to say to me, “My son, you are very busy and preoccupied with many things, come with me, I need to teach and show you personally.” That is how I felt in my mission. So close to God, there are no distractions, no telephone twenty four hours, not worried about yourself, you’re only getting to know God, trusting yourself and loving others. Madam: And serving the people you speak of. Sir: Jazzman from Spain asks, how will I know if I am truly prepared to go on a mission? David: Well, I had the same question. I had to realize that you are never ready to go on a mission. What I’m saying is that the perfect time doesn’t exist to go on a mission, because if I waited for that perfect timing I’d never go on a mission. Everyone says, not yet, not yet, you’re not ready. I used to say the same thing, I’m not prepared, I have no idea how I’m going to teach others to make changes in their lives. But it’s a step of faith. I trust that God will guide me. It is difficult, but it is never the perfect time to go, it’s always going to be difficult. You’ll always have to leave something behind, things like that, but it is worth it. Sir: Yes, and we need to have a lot of faith. Madam: Ricardo from Mexico wants to ask, what can you say that would motivate the youth to go on a mission? David: (looks at the camera) If there is anyone who is thinking of going on a mission and you want to prepare, there are simple things you can do that we always hear, like go to church, study your scriptures, really scrutinize them, meditate over the words, and also pray. The things we have always been told are the things that are going to help you. Also Preach My Gospel, this helped me a lot. If you don’t have it, find it. Another thing that helped me a lot was to go to the temple. I know that there are many that don’t have a temple nearby, but you should try to go as much as possible. That is a place where you can prepare without distractions; you can speak to God, pray, and hear the voice of the spirit clearly. Spend time there. I’ve spent a lot of time in the temple; it is a good and sacred place. Sir: An important question, some say that going on a mission is a sacrifice; do you feel that it was a sacrifice for you? David: When you think about having to leave things behind, like work, your career, or your family, I think the hardest thing was leaving my family. Because I thought, they need me. But when you think of where you’re going, that you are going to serve others, that you will be close to God, know Him and feel like you never have before in your life, then it’s not a sacrifice because you gain so many things. How can it be a sacrifice if it is the biggest blessing in my life? But for me, technically leaving some things, maybe then yes, but truthfully it is not a sacrifice. How could life’s biggest blessing be a sacrifice? Madam: South Korea wants to know if there was something difficult during your mission and what did you do to overcome it? David: The mission wasn’t easy, there are times you think, oh, I can’t do this, especially at the beginning of my mission. I didn’t understand for nothing how the Chilenos spoke. Now I love them. Now I can better understand the Spanish language and speak it. But at the beginning, not at all. What are they saying? How am I going to teach them? There are also times that you don’t get along well with your companion, if you get angry with him you can’t just leave. You’re always with them, every day, every week. You have to learn to change the problems, correct them, love them and discuss the problem. There were difficult moments with the companions, but in the end we got along well because we were able to overcome our problems. There were many things, but then there is patience. I could speak for a long time about this.
Second song: Nearer My God to Thee
Sir: Thank you David, beautiful song. We received this question: as youth we feel alone and impotent, what have you done or do to avoid feeling like this? David: I believe that each one of us has felt like this; we are not sufficient for the task we have in life, or the future or the present. What has helped me personally is knowing who I am, and that is, that I have a Heavenly Father, He is God, I am a son of His, like the first song says. This always fills me with joy. The challenge may not change, or the problem taken from me, but it gives me the strength to go on, to find a way to overcome it. Also, knowing that I can ask for help when I need it. Because there are many moments where I don’t know what to do, I think, what now? I’m lost, I don’t know what to do, I feel unmotivated, and that is the time you can get on your knees and ask for help through prayer. Madam: Ingrid wants to know, how can you achieve spiritual and emotional balance while developing our talents without putting aside our love for the Savior? David: Good question Ingrid. I think it is a great wisdom that I have learned, not only during the mission but also before. Many times we feel that to pursue our dreams, music, work, sports we have to leave the spiritual things aside. That is not true, that is when we need the most help. During the time I was working, especially on TV, there were moments when I read scripture more diligently because I felt the need to do so. You should never feel that you need to choose your dreams over the spiritual things and God. Because they go hand in hand. God knows us; He knows our dreams. So if you always remember that, and remain near Him like the song says, you will be able to develop your talents and dreams in a different and brilliant way. That is how I have felt. You never should feel that you need to choose, it is not like that. If it comes to that you should choose the spiritual, God is there guiding you. Sir: Mararena from Ecuador asks, how do you keep harmony with the Lord when you are surrounded by fame, money, and popularity? David: Well Macarena, that was a shock to me, surprising. All of a sudden people recognized me. It was unexpected attention that I didn’t have before. Many would tell me this is what is important, these things will help you feel happy, and feel good in life, you will have success. But when I tried to focus on these things and what I was being told, I felt depressed, what is going on? Why do I feel this way? This happened once, when I was singing and the release of my first album. I had a lot of attention during that time. And everyone told me, now you will be successful, now you will feel happy. But I felt uncomfortable and I asked myself, why is this happening to me? I felt discouraged. At that moment I was on vacation with my family and realized that this was what really made me feel happy, the simple things that I had always had. What you have doesn’t matter, money, popularity, attention. If you have made good decisions, and if you have family who you love around you, then you will feel good and happy, and that is the success I have had in my life. Madam: Kevin from Colombia has this question, I’m not a Mormon but I’ve always been curious about the Latter Day Saints. The question I have is, how have you lived all these experiences, music, concerts, tours and all the success from a spiritual perspective? David: Spiritually, well like I was saying before, why the music? Music doesn’t exist without the spiritual part, there is always that connection. And when people try to remove that part it doesn’t work for me. I say, I cannot do this. But when a song invites the Spirit and the listeners feel good, closer to God, have a different perspective of life, more positive, then it’s all worth it to me. That is why I make music. I feel that music is a responsibility that God has given me, and he trusts that I will make good use of it. But if I don’t use music responsibly I won’t feel that success. I won’t feel that incredible feeling that you can feel through music if I remove that spiritual part. I had to humble myself many times, and think, I’m going to let it work on that song, or that concert for people to feel that feeling, which is the Spirit. Sir: David, Lucia asks, what is your favorite scripture? David: I have many favorite scriptures, but one that has always helped me during my mission and my life, is in the book of Mormon. It’s in Ether 12:27, chapter 12, verse 27, where it speaks of our weaknesses and many times we try to hide them. Before the mission I did that a lot. That is why I didn’t feel that joy I could have because I tried to hide my imperfections. But reading this scripture and understanding what God gives us. He says, I give you your weaknesses so you can humble yourself and know that I’m here to help you and that you need me. That humbled me, but I love knowing that our weaknesses don’t prevent us from getting ahead. With God’s help our weaknesses can be tools in reality. Madam: Jamin from Spain wants to know, how do you know if you’re adequately prepared to go on a mission? David: I believe we spoke a bit about that. Madam: Sorry then. David: No, it’s ok, it’s a good question. I’ll think about it some more. Sir: Nicole from Brazil, do you have plans to write a book of your experiences on your mission? David: Wow, I have thought about it, a lot, but I don’t know. I put out a book some years back. But it would be very interesting because my experiences now are very different. My outlook on life is deeper than before. I’d love to be able to explain, well I don’t know if I’d confuse everybody, but it would be incredible to speak of the people I met because I love very much the Chilenos and the people I met, and the food. I would love to share with all what I learned in a deeper way. Madam: Patricia says, my brother is about to return from his mission, how could I help him adapt to family life without him losing that Spirit he’ll return with? David: Well Patricia, have patience with your brother. Because when I got home all my family thought I was so strange. Because I’d say, oh no the TV, I can’t watch it, I can’t listen to that! I feel so strange here, where is my companion? You have to get accustomed a little at a time after the mission. Be patient with him and listen to him speak of the people he met because that is something important he’ll bring back with him, the people and his experiences. Maybe you can study with him. My sister did that with me because I wanted to study with someone. So if you want to help him conserve that Spirit, help him by asking him about the people he met and the experiences he had, and study with him. Sir: When you make important decisions, what is the process you take? It is a challenge for the youth to maintain their beliefs when being influenced by their friends. David: The process of making decisions? Hmmm interesting. I believe you need to think things through, especially when it’s a big decision. You need to think, why do I want to do this? And then take the question to the Lord, ask Him too. For example when I auditioned for American Idol, went on my mission, I always asked the Lord by praying, Father, what do you think about this? I feel like this, how should I do this? Is this fine? Am I crazy? I want to know. And always, when I do this, things turn out good for my growth as a person. Madam: There are a lot of questions about your goals and plans now that you have returned from your mission. Can you tell us what you have in mind? David: Yes, like I was saying, I am writing songs, I’m doing a lot of that. As a matter of fact I’m writing songs in English and Spanish. I don’t think I should release them all right now; I want to get things right this time. I have had so many experiences on the mission; I’ve thought of so many things, I feel I want to put that in my songs, not just anything. I’m dating. I want that to be in my songs. So I have plans to have future concerts and new albums. When? I don’t know exactly but I’m in that process now. Sir: David, many young girls want to know your girlfriend’s name. David: ¡¡¡¡oh my gosh ¡¡¡¡¡ Madam: Do you have a girlfriend? David: No I don’t have a girlfriend, not yet, so there isn’t a name to say. Yes, but, we’ll leave it there. Family is important, so I also have that planned for the future, so there it is. Madam: How has your mission affected your music? David: I always sang on my mission, always. Knocking on doors, talking to people on the street. I would say many times, hello how are you? We’re missionaries and we would talk but at the beginning of my mission, when I couldn’t communicate, I’d say, can we sing you a song? I think we sang every day on the mission, in houses, in the street, it was entertaining. There were many who didn’t recognize me but would listen to the song. It didn’t matter who was singing, they listened. Madam: And did they feel the Spirit? David: It was incredible. Madam: I’m sure that you left them with a smile. David: I hope so. Sir: Liliana asks, did you ever at some point in your life face a challenge which you thought you could not overcome? David: There are many moments when you wake up and think, oh no, I can’t do this today, I can’t do anything right. I believe we have to have hope that things will get better because there are times when we feel that nothing is ever going to get better, never. I’m never going to feel better; I’m never going to find the answer I’m looking for. But you have to take your time, you have to wait and be patient, the answers will appear and you will overcome. There are so many times when I’ve felt like this, I don’t know how to do any of this, but then I was able to. Why was I about to give up? Ay ay ay, I was going to lose out on this blessing, this opportunity or what I have learned. So don’t give up. We have to be patient and you may feel out-of-place or frustrated sometimes, but we all do, it’s fine. David: How much time do we have? Sorry. Madam: We have ten minutes. David: Ah yes, OK. Because I’d love to sing another song, but I think there is a question before one more song. Madam: Oh let me see. Your responses are answering the questions before we receive them. Mina from Peru wants to know and says, I’d like to be a member but I fear that my family will not approve. What can I do to soften my mom’s heart? David: I congratulate you because the Gospel is beautiful and is one of the things of the Latter Day Saints. And to be able to have that change, to live it, try it. I think those that start to know the church start with the missionaries, with friends. But aside from going to church and with friends, start with the missionaries. I was a missionary, (thumbs up), trust in the missionaries. They will help you with the changes you make, and it’s not always going to be easy, but you’ll start to feel different. You’ll have clarity and your family will see this change in your life. I think that is what will soften the heart of any person, to see the change you are receiving. There are things to do but I promise you that the change will come and you will feel the Spirit in you life. And your family will also feel it. Sir: A question from Mexico. David: Mexico! I had three companions from Mexico on the mission. Sir: What scripture strengthens you during difficult times? David: Aside from the scripture I mentioned before, there is one in the Bible in Proverbs. For those of you that don’t know, there are missionary plaques with your picture, the country and a scripture. The scripture on my plaque is Proverbs 3:5-6, where it speaks of trusting the Lord. He will guide you in all you do and in all your… I don’t remember exactly. This scripture has helped me a lot. Madam: Yani from the Dominican Republic, wants to know of all the things you did on your mission, what would you have liked to do differently if you knew then what you know now? David: I believe I would have done more things, I would have been more brave and not be so scared to do things, even though you didn’t know the outcome. But actually I wouldn’t change any of the past, because that’s how you learn, by whatever happened or didn’t happen in the past. I would’ve liked to have been more brave, speak with all, but this is how I’ve learned, next time I won’t do the same. I will speak with more people and I won’t have any fears any longer. Madam: And faith conquers fear. David: Yes, definitely Sir: Here is the scripture from Proverbs. David: Thank you, 5, 6 and 7. Sir: Would you like to read? David: Yes, if you want to read it, it’s in Proverbs 3 in the Bible and it says, “Trust in The Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” Sir: What an important scripture. Madam: Jhon, via twitter wants to say, I want to go on a mission but I’m scared. It’s what we’ve been speaking of. What advise would you give him, us? David: I also had that fear, like I said before, I don’t know how to speak, how to teach. But the truth is, when you get there you will learn daily and you’ll see that you don’t know everything, but that’s ok because you have a companion that will be with you all the time and you will learn from him. You’ll also learn about the Spirit. There will be times you won’t know what to say, but you’ll open your mouth and it comes out. You’ll ask yourself, where did those words come from? The Spirit is with you and is brilliant. So don’t worry, all will be fine. Sir: Thank you David, is there anything else you’d like to share? David: I feel like I’ve talked too much, I think I’d like to finish with a song. Madam: We’d love that. David: It’s a church hymn. I love it because it speaks of what is happening because there are so many missionaries serving in all parts of the world. I like to sing this hymn, “The Spirit of God.” Sir and Madam: Thank you very much David. David: Likewise.
This event will be livestreamed twice, first in Spanish at 5:30pm then in English at 7:00pm Utah time. The links are highlighted in blue.
Face to Face: Live Facebook Event with David Archuleta
Description
TO JOIN THE LIVE CHAT, GO TO THE LDS YOUTH FACEBOOK PAGE ON TUESDAY JUNE 24, AT 7:00 P.M. MDT (9:00 EDT, 8:00 CDT, 6:00 PDT).
You can also view the event live on the Mormon Channel on YouTube. After June 24, a video of the event will be available on this page for you to watch at any time.
Participate in a live, interactive discussion with former American Idol contestant and returned missionary David Archuleta, moderated by Young Women general president Bonnie L. Oscarson and Young Men general president David L. Beck. Youth around the world will have opportunities to ask questions in real time and hear about David Archuleta’s decision to postpone a successful music career to serve the Lord. He will also share stories from his mission, give advice for future missionaries, and share his testimony in word and song. Invite your friends!
The LDS hosted David Archuleta live chat is geared for youth but from all I’ve read and the countless tweets worldwide promoting this event state that all are welcome. The questions that have been posted in English and Spanish so far cover a wide range of topics. David will be singing accompanied by Kendra Lowe.
Cara a Cara: con David Archuleta en vivo por Facebook
Descripción
PARTICIPA EN EL CHAT EN VIVO: VISITA LA PÁGINA LDS YOUTH EN FACEBOOK EL MARTES 24 DE JUNIO A LAS 5:30 P.M. (HORA DE SALT LAKE CITY).
También podrás ver este evento en vivo en la página del Canal mormón en YouTube. Después del 24 de junio, colocaremos el video en esta página para que lo vuelvas a ver en cualquier momento.
Participa en una conversación interactiva, en vivo, con el ex participante del concurso televisivo American Idol y ex misionero David Archuleta. Será moderada por la hermana Denise Posse Lindberg y el Presidente General de los Hombres Jóvenes, David L. Beck. Los jóvenes de todo el mundo tendrán la oportunidad de hacer preguntas en tiempo real y escuchar a David Archuleta sobre su decisión de posponer una exitosa carrera musical para servir al Señor. También compartirá su testimonio, experiencias misionales y brindará consejos a futuros misioneros, no solo por medio de las palabras sino a través de la música. ¡Invita a tus amigos!
El LDS evento en vivo con David Archuleta es guiado para jovenes pero todo que lei promoviendo el evento indica que todos son envitados. Las preguntas en ingles y espanol cubren muchos temas. David cantara acompanado por Kendra Lowe.
Please join us in celebrating David Archuleta’s approaching return! Join the world wide trending party!
David Archuleta Is Coming Home
February 28th at 7pm PST – 10pm EST
See below for more times around the world.
credit pocoelsy
All submissions for the welcome home video have been received and the deadline has now expired. That means that thing down there is working after all. lol. That’s a good thing. AAAAANNNDD twitter trending party was a blast last night. Thanks very much to all who participated and trended “David Archuleta is Coming Home” all over the world!
I’m convinced that time will pass more quickly if I would only stop watching the calendar and counting down the days until David comes home. It’s kind of like a pot of water that won’t boil if you keep watching it. Yet I still wonder how he might be feeling as he finishes up his time in Chile, his home for the last two years. The reality is that I cannot make any assumptions nor can I imagine how he feels about saying goodbye to Chile.
However, I do believe that you leave a little piece of yourself wherever you visit. Perhaps there will always be a part of him that will remain in Chile, the part that came to life with every gorgeous sunset he witnessed, every glance he took at the Andes Mountains, every bite he took of the fresh-baked pastries and with every person he encountered along his journey during his mission, some who may have very few physical possessions yet are full of joy and grace.
I couldn’t be happier that the wait is almost over but I realize that it’s sort of a goodbye for me, too. How is it possible to love a foreign country that I never visited except by doing research online to write articles for this site? For me, chili had always been a delicious beef dish, eaten during the winter. Chilly was always a reason to put on double layers of clothing.
Through David, the country, C H I L E came to life for me, instead of just being a speck on the world map. In addition to his beautiful voice, everlasting friendships and computer skills, I have David to thank for yet another thing, for opening my eyes to this beautiful country with its historical sites, extensive landscape of mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, glaciers, deserts, waterfalls, beaches, lakes, rivers, forests and islands.
It’s not just the countryside that I admire; it’s also the people, who are passionate and fun-loving. I’ve even become fond of their music after doing some research on what’s playing on their airwaves. I picked up a few songs for my Ipod; Alberto Plaza’s “Bandito”and “Amiga” by Alexander Acha. But that’s not all. I found a little Argentenian bakery not too far away that makes the most delicious empanadas. If I ever get the chance to visit South America, Chile would be my first stop.
Soon, David’s time spent in Chile will become part of his past. He will be busy with all sorts of plans for new music, touring, family, friends, catching up with fans and going out for Pad Thai. If he feels sad about saying goodbye to Chile and the people he met there, I hope he also feels content that he made a difference in their lives. He has certainly made a difference in ours.
ennui (French) noun: a feeling of listlessness and general dissatisfaction resulting from lack of activity or excitement.
This is what I’ve been feeling lately. I know a year and a half has passed. I know that means we have only six months left to wait. But I also know why this song by the Kinks has been playing over and over in my head lately.
There is a struggle going on in me. Sometimes I don’t play his music for days that turn into weeks. Sometimes I try to listen to other music for a while. I ended up placing my used copy of Sara Bareilles’ CD, The Blessed Unrest in the card I was mailing to him. It was a spur of the moment act. “Maybe you can listen to it on your P day,” I scrawled as I waited in line at the post office. The fact is, I’m tired. Tired of the same songs on the same albums of his. Tired of listening to anyone else because he has me ruined. So most of the time, I just don’t listen to anyone at all. Maybe I’m crazy, (pro-ba-bly) but I think I know something of what Teddy must have felt in the play Arsenic and Old Lace.
Reverend Harper: Have you ever tried to persuade him that he wasn’t Teddy Roosevelt?
Abby Brewster: Oh, no.
Martha Brewster: Oh, he’s so happy being Teddy Roosevelt.
Abby Brewster: Oh… Do you remember, Martha, once, a long time ago, we thought if he’d be George Washington, it might be a change for him, and we suggested it.
Martha Brewster: And do you know what happened? He just stayed under his bed for days and wouldn’t be anybody.
I just sit in my car in silence and don’t listen to anybody. It’s quite pleasant, really. I think a lot about stuff. Like a few days ago, I was sitting quietly in my car, waiting for the heavy wrought iron gate that sits at the entrance to our little lake community to slowly open. At that moment, I was wondering what the heck I was going to write about him next. It gets harder the longer he’s away. And then I saw them. A dozen spider webs had sprung up on the iron gate over night to adorn the bleak bars with a delicate, intricate beauty. I took out my phone and snapped a picture of it and drove on, thinking how like those webs his hold on us is. How we are caught, as securely as any prey was ever held. And how struggling only makes the cords of love grow tighter.
Looking back, I realize why I did not see it coming. How was I to see those gently spinning diaphanous threads wafting toward me as I watched and listened each week in wide-eyed innocent wonder? What was there to fear while waiting on the world to change into imagining angels shopping around for smokey mountain memories along that long and winding road to heaven? By the time he strode out to Apologize it was too late. I was already tightly, hopelessly ensnared. With each concert that followed, each video uploaded, I became more captivated and more his captive.
In time he could walk away with confidence, knowing we were securely tethered until his return. When he does, the vibrations will be felt all over the web and across the wide world the net will tremble and our release will come. But we will never be free.
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Mckenzie did an awesome job highlighting David’s accomplishments during his first year away on his mission. She does a great job of promoting David. I saw this tweet and was blown away by this amazing labor of love.
Uploading my 30 min vid of career highlights of @DavidArchie March 2012-March 2013 tonight, “Popstar on A Mission”. Check it out @kariontour
On March 28, 2012, American Idol star and Platinum recording artist David Archuleta left on a 2 year Mormon mission.
In his absence, David’s team has successfully managed to keep his music career thriving by regularly releasing projects prepared before he left and by effectively harnessing the power of modern technology and social media to fully engage with fans around the work and to enlist their aid in keeping his name prominently in the public eye.
What David Archuleta and his team have accomplished this past year is something even fans doubted could be done. To an outsider looking in, David seems busier than ever before and certainly more busy than some artists actively pursuing their music careers. This is a testament to his incredible preparation before leaving, a marketing strategy effectively tailored to promote an artist not available to promote his work, and the undying support of one of the most committed fanbases in the world.
This video is a record of the remarkable and unprecedented year in David Archuleta’s career AFTER he left on his mission. Here are the highlights of what David and his team accomplished:
Released 4 CDs
Earned 1 Gold CD
Earned a #28 Debut on Billboard 200 (His 4th Top 30 CD)
Released 4 Music Videos
Earned multiple chart topping singles
Starred in an Ad campaign for Bench clothing
Released 14 new videos on his YouTube Channel
Added 320,000 Twitter Followers
Inspired 37 World Wide Twitter Trends
Added over a Million Facebook Friends
Preparing to release DVD of Nandito Ako – the miniseries he filmed just before leaving.
Pick up David Archuleta’s New CD, “No Matter How Far” out March 26, 2013 and released by E1Music. Available on ITunes, Amazon, Walmart etc.
Request his debut single “Don’t Run Away” at your radio stations.
The songs in the video are:
Forevermore and Tell Me from David Archuleta’s CDs “No Matter How Far” and “Forevermore” released by Ivory Music and Video.
Nothing Else Better to Do from David Archuleta’s CD “No Matter How Far” released by E1Music.
Somewhere Only We Know from David Archuleta’s CD “Begin.” released by Highway Records.
Rainbow (Remix) from David Archuleta’s CD Forevermore, Expanded Edition released by Ivory Music and Video
Follow David Archuleta on Twitter @DavidArchie
Like David Archuleta on Facebook
Follow David’s manager Kari Sellards on Twitter @kariontour
Follow me on Twitter @mckenzieharr
Please retweet this video to support David Archuleta
When I made my first comment on The Voice on January 9, explaining—or maybe I should say, exclaiming—my discovery of David, both Abrra and Dayzee urged me to write him a letter. That was a novel thought. David was brand new to me, I knew nothing about him, and I had no idea what I could even say. I had never written a fan letter in my life, unless you count my letter to the Mattel Toy Company back in the late 1950’s thanking them for my Shirley Temple doll. So, I’m thinking, are they serious about me writing him a letter?
I mulled it over for quite a while, and then during one of many sleepless nights, I started it. False start. So I mulled it over some more and got back to it about a week later. This time it flowed pretty well. I told him I wanted to thank him for sharing his singing talent with the world and for serving a mission. Then like a good English major, I stuck to my two main points and kept it one page long. How can one page adequately thank someone for the profound effect they’ve had on your life?
Three days before Christmas, I had only the vaguest idea who David Archuleta was. Two days before Christmas, I became acquainted with him as I watched his performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Video credit MormonTabChoir
I was blindsided! The music was so compelling I couldn’t stop listening! When I could finally tear myself away from this Christmas concert, I found the Christmas concert from Chile and I was even more enraptured. A glorious voice had suddenly shown up in my life. It pierced my heart and saturated my soul with music. I was filled with light and I felt like fire was shooting from my fingertips!
Video credit Alejandro Angulo
This glorious voice came from David, who was a most endearing young man in the first concert, and a humble missionary in the second. In both concerts, he sang several songs celebrating the birth of Jesus. What struck me forcefully was that he wasn’t just singing the words, but that he believed what he was singing. His facial expressions, his emotion, his joy, and the power–and at the same time, the tenderness–of his voice, all revealed a devotion to God. This is what drew me to him, because I had just had a spiritual reawakening after years of depression, sadness, and slogging through life at half-power.
So, in my letter, I told him how his singing had come at the end of a year of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing for me. In one dramatic and very sweet moment, his singing had cleared my heart of the remaining bits and pieces of junk that were still in there. My heart had been healed and was now able to absorb light, and to give and to receive love. I believe anyone or anything could have finished healing my heart. But it was David who did it, and for that I am very grateful.
I thanked him for sharing his talent. Although David sings to the world, he also sings to the individual, which is the reason I have had this marvelous experience for myself. I have puzzled over what it is exactly that he gives the world. It took me awhile, but I have an explanation that works for me–love. As I was being healed spiritually and my heart was being opened, I was able to feel God’s love all around me. I believe this love is always there, but we have to be open to receiving it. I think David is very open to God’s love, absorbs it, and reflects it back to anybody else who is receptive. David’s music carries this love to the willing listener, with all sorts of favorable outcomes. In the past two months, I’ve read several accounts which are similar to mine. Burdens of sadness, despair, loss, any number of difficult circumstances, are all made tolerable or even healed by David’s music.
I also thanked him for serving a mission. My own healing has been facilitated by the love, concern, and teaching of several missionaries over the past year. As these young men have taught me, I have had to marvel at their maturity, their commitment, and the pure love they have for others. Based on my experience with them, I am able to imagine what Elder Archuleta’s life as a missionary is like. I am fascinated by this aspect of him, because missionaries have become very dear to my newly tender heart. I am positive Elder Archuleta is having an experience in personal growth that could not come in any other way. I didn’t tell him this, but I am in awe of the person he is now, and even more in awe of the person he is becoming. He will still be David when he returns, but a more refined and a deeper David. I can’t wait to hear the music that will come from him then!
I mailed my letter at the very beginning of February. If it got to Florida on time, it’s probably lost in a package of valentines and well-wishes for his new album. I have seriously wondered if he would even read my letter, but I’ve been assured that he does try to read everything he gets. That makes me feel sort of weird. Here I am listening to his music as I write this, and he might actually read my letter! I’m talking about the same person who, as a teenager, came in second on American Idol; who, as a sweet-faced young man, sings “Forevermore;” and who, as a very handsome young man, models in the Bench photo shoot (there are no words!). This person is famous and known by millions of people all over the world. I can’t fathom that he would actually handle the letter I handled—it’s too surreal. But the missionary currently serving in Chile, yes, I could see him handling my letter, reading it, and appreciating where I’m coming from.
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The Voice David Archuleta 
