The Lundberg Company

Gary and I had a wonderful opportunity to be speakers at the BYU Emeriti Alumni Education Day.  The best part was that Lloyd Newell spoke also, so we sat next to him and his wife Karmel at the luncheon and had a great time visiting.  She had to leave a bit early to pick up their kids who were at the BYU recording studio reading the New Era and Children’s Friend magazines for the blind.  It looks like they are following in their father’s footsteps in sharing their voice and talents to bless others.

It was my wonderful blessing to get to know Lloyd a few years ago when I was one of the writers of the scripts for the Tabernacle Choir broadcast.  Now he writes most of them himself.  We did some reminiscing about those days.

David Christensen, former mission president and institute teacher at University of Utah, sat next to Gary at the lunch.  He spoke on the same program. We thoroughly enjoyed his insights on God’s love for all of us even though we make mistakes.  He has a wonderful sense of humor and we recommend him to you all.

In Lloyd’s talk he told about his experiences with the world famous  Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and about working directly with President Hinckley and now with President Monson.  He has high praise for both and shared a few personal insights about them.  One was the recent experience his daughter and two nieces had when Lloyd took them with him to one of the Sunday broadcasts.  President Monson came that day. When Lloyd introduced the girls to him, President Monson was not only cordial, but very warm and friendly and deeply interested in them.  He said he spent 45 minutes visiting with the girls. Lloyd  was amazed at the attention he gave to them.  He said he looked at Sister Monson and Sister Dibb who where with him and mouthed an apology for taking so much time.  He said they gave a knowing smile that said,”It’s okay.  This is what he does, we’re used to it.”   What a loving prophet he is, surrounded by a patient, loving wife and daughter.

Lloyd said sometimes people tell him what a cushy job he has, working 30 minutes a week and getting paid so well.  He said, “I just smile and say: first of all it’s much longer than 30 minutes of work and second I don’t get paid.  This is my Church calling and I love it.”  Then he said I add: and see all these wonderful choir members? They’re not paid either. It’s their Church calling and they love it.”

He shared many more things about the Choir. It was a choice experience and we came away feeling so blessed to have this incredible Mormon Tabernacle Choir representing the Church to all the world, and for the sweet opportunity we had that day to rub shoulders with these two terrific speakers and their wives.