Speaking to the Young Women

Speaking to Shannon Skalla's Young Women 

Kenz and Shannon (wearing beautiful dresses by Rachel Parcel)

Come As You Are 

Come Thou Fount (Kenzie's arrangement) 

YW Message - Courage to Stand Outline

Intro:

Get to Know you as I share about me. .  

I am a singer • musician • guitarist 

I am a Mormon.

Most Important - I am a Daughter of God

Young Women’s Theme

Sunday’s - stand and recite.  “We are daughters of a Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. 

overwhelmed challenge that follows.  “We will “STAND as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” 

Idols

I am shy and quiet.  NO friends - NO Boyfriend - ONE Dance - Girls choice

Sophomore year - “Idol” competition.  

Wait Your Mormon - Personal Experience 

I learned a very valuable lesson that day.  

Standing as a witness of God can be as simple as being “nice” to someone. 

#stayrad   

  always stay true to myself no matter what - Which is were the hashtag “STAY RAD” came from . 

Some would say... I am strange, different, unique, weird.It’s true and it’s RAD!!!

Some would say YOU are all different, unique, weird. YOU too are RAD!! Stay that way.  

No matter what the outside world demands or wants from you, always stay true to yourself and your beliefs.   #stayrad

SONG: COME AS YOU ARE

Today we live in a day where we base our value on of likes, comments, shares.  

Most quoted scriptures is found in Matthew and says “Come unto me...”  

SING: This song is called “COME AS YOU ARE”  

Adam Lambert - Personal Experience 

I was eliminated on LIVE TV 

Did I regret my decision?  Not a Bit.

Was it worth it?  Absolutely!

After Idol - 

Album Once I Was a Beehive I’ve opened for cool shows  Radio

 DreamWorks Animation - Personal Experience

Did I regret my decision?  Not a Bit.

Was it worth it?  Absolutely!

President Monson

These are MY personal experiences.  MY “behind the scenes”. 

Each of you experience your own set of challenges.  Your own “behind the scenes”.  

We must be COURAGEOUS in our decisions every day    We are expected to have courage to STAND for truth 

Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to ... stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. ... A moral coward is one who is afraid to do what he thinks is right because others will disapprove or laugh. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with dignity have courage as well.

Conclusion:   

 “Bear your testimony every day of your life and when necessary, use words”.

Do You Have Room (Kenz Hall)

Reminders are Good

Kenz was asked to sing for her good friend Cole Parkinson's mission farewell.

She was thrilled.

She decided to do the same song she did for Seminary Graduation.

  How Great Thou Art.

She rehearsed with our friend from our stake Mike Anderson on Tuesday and felt ready. 

Saturday night, she started to realize how many of her friends would be there 

and how important it was that she sing well.  

She worked herself up a little.  

Mike texted me that morning.  

She sat nervously looking at her words while Cole spoke.  

I finally showed her Mike's text. 

 She read it and gave a relieved smile.  

Walked up to the stand and sang BEAUTIFULLY.

Sometimes she needs to remember that she has been given a gift.  

It is a blessing from her Heavenly Father.  

And when you are willing to share your gifts and talents, 

you are blessed.  

He answered her prayers (& mine) that morning.  

Calming her heart and mind. 

And helping her bring the spirit through music.  

As a mom, 

I am always SO GRATEFUL when she is given the opportunity to sing in church. 

LDS Influencer Meet Up

Wednesday April 29th

Kenz was asked to speak and the LDS Influencers Meet Up but on by Boncom.  

It was an awesome night!

 Kenz with the BYU Cougar

Kenz with the DARLING keynote speaker Mindy McKnight from Cute Girls Hairstyles

Kenz got to SPEAK & SING!

Social Media speech excerpt

All done and feeling RELAXED!!

Kenz with Emily Hill and Tayler Smith

Kenz with ___ and John Dye

Meet and Greet

To see and learn more - go to INSTAGRAM and look up the hashtag

#bonconfBYU

LDS Influencers Meet Up

Intro:  

My name is Kenz Hall.  Many of you probably don’t know who I am, so let me introduce myself to you.  I am an 18 year old singer from Draper Utah.  I was lucky enough to share my music on a national level when I made it to the Top 15 girls on American Idol last year.  Whenever I am asked to speak, I always ask;  Are you sure you want me to speak?  “I don’t speak - I sing.”  But I am grateful to be here today and plan to do both - more singing than speaking of course.  

My first song is the song I auditioned with for American Idol called I’m Gonna Find Another you.

Song: John Mayer - Gonna Find Another You

1. Social Media

Social media is awesome.  It connects us with people across the globe.  It’s also a little weird.  Complete strangers become our friends.  Many of you here today are bloggers.  Believe it or not, I started out as a blogger.  I was 13 years old and posted all the crazy events in my life.  I was an open book.  Let me read you a small excerpt from my blog.   

February 10, 2010

Being a teenager with a blog is difficult work!  It was my dad's birthday so my parents went on a cruise to Mexico-without me(: Dang. But my cousin came and babysat! It was the funnest weekend. Got to do a lot of Dance Parties with my best friend. Short Shorts, V-Necks, Knee-high socks, blasting music! Ahh. Good weekend. Except I sort of became a women that weekend...Yeah, that was a downer. BUT I thought of the positive and kept it a secret.  I’ve had some Valentine drama. My BEST guy friend asked me to be his Valentine! But I rejected him. Didn't want to make it awkward was my excuse(: I told him if anyone else asked me, I'd say no.. Another guy asked me. I said yes. I lost a friend.. DRAMA! 

I posted pictures of my “drama-filled” life and excitedly watched for new comments.  Then I joined Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vine, Snapchat, etc and my blog disappeared.  Which probably isn’t a bad thing.  I also became a little more reserved in the things I shared.  Which probably isn’t a bad thing either...

Social Media allows me to share my life with the world.  It is has given me a chance to share things that mean the most to me.   And I don’t hesitate to share my testimony.  “I am a Mormon.” I don’t hesitate to share my dreams. “I am a Musician.”  This next song isn’t very well known, but it’s one I love.  It’s called The Dreamer.

Song: The Dreamer

1. Stay Rad

When I made the Top 30 on Idol, I was required to do interviews.  This was all new to me.  I figured being the only Mormon on the show my season that my faith would be included in some interviews.  Being young, I decided not to avoid the questions about religion but to try put the focus on my music.  I would usually respond with something like “My faith is just as much a part of me as my Music is.”  I had lots of opportunities to share my beliefs with the producers, vocal coaches, and other contestants.  They ALWAYS asked why I didn’t drink the coffee.  I had an experience with Adam Lambert where we didn’t see eye to eye on how I should sing my song and what I should wear for the the first live show.  I remember telling my mom that I would listen to him and the other professionals and mentors but that I was going to stay true to myself no matter what. That is where the hashtag #stayrad came from.  Yes, “Rad” is a common word used in my vocabulary but, I live by the motto “STAY RAD”.  We are all unique.  I am not your normal teenager.  I don’t enjoy social settings.  I don’t choose hang out with friends on the weekend.  I am a little introvert.  I am stubborn.  And I will not bend to make someone else happy.   The STAY RAD hashtag hopefully encourages others to figure out who you are and then STAY that way.  No matter what the outside world demands or wants from you, always stay true to yourself and your beliefs.   

Gordon B. Hinckley said; “Your life is a message to the world.  Make sure it is inspiring.”  

We all face challenges or on a positive note - we all are given “opportunities to be courageous”.  I hope that the way I live my life and the things I share about my life on social media inspires other.  This next song is one I performed during Hollywood Week.  I think the judges were a little taken back when I performed this song.  I guess they didn’t expect a shy and nervous 16 year old to walk up to the mic with her guitar in front of a huge audience and began rapping but I thought it was RAD.  If you know it feel free to sing along.

Song: Can’t Hold Us

III. Album

Social media has taught me a lot - both good and bad.  I have learned to be careful about specifics.  Some people will do and say just about anything.  I have learned that some people don’t think you get your feelings hurt.  Being the target of gossip and mean words can be hard.   I have also learned that people rally around their own.  I have had others come to my defense and protect my beliefs.  I have learned that members of our church will send the sweetest messages of gratitude.  There is nothing like getting a private message from a young new Beehive thanking you for being a good example to her.

And I have learned that where much is given - much is expected.   Sharing my testimony online doesn’t scare me.  Not sharing my testimony does.Once I returned from American Idol, because of contracts I couldn’t perform as much as I was used to... so I began writing music.  I’m May, I recorded an 8 song album and released it in September.  Many of the songs reflect my experiences from the past two years and the crazy journey music has taken me on. This last song that I am going to sing tonight is one from my album called If I Move Along.  It wasn’t written as a religious song, but it’s message is one of endurance while seeking the guidance of a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father.  

Song: If I Move Along

Conclusion

I want to challenge each of us who are crazy enough to put our lives on the world-wide web to Remember “Your life is a message to the world.  Make sure it is inspiring.”

LDS LIVING Article

LDS LIVING - click HERE to see the magazine.

Click HERE to read the entire article.

Eighteen Mormons on Reality TV 

Who Stood for Their Standards.

American Idol

You can’t talk about Mormons on reality TV without mentioning American Idol and David Archuleta. However, the famed singer wasn’t the first Mormon to compete on the show. Carmen Rasmusen Herbet made it into the top six during the 2003 season of American Idol. During the show, her modest dress standards repeatedly put her at odds with the show’s wardrobe stylists. In fact, a stylist was quoted in Us magazine as saying, “She has a fantastic figure, so [her religious guidelines] are restricting.” But Carmen stood her ground every time—an impressive feat for a teen in a high-pressure showbiz environment. “I really think I found strength beyond my own,” Herbert says. “I wanted to do what was right. I wanted to dress modestly. I was taught to stay true to my values and stay true to myself—even after I went out into the world.”

Five seasons later in 2008, LDS singing sensation David Archuleta was also criticized for his values, in particular, his humility—skeptics thought it was an act. Immediately, David’s friends came to his defense. “People just didn’t understand how David could be shocked when the judges complimented him,” says Dean Kaelin, David’s voice coach. “People thought, ‘How could he not know how good he was?’ Not only does David have a beautiful voice, he is just a good, good kid. That was a shock to America. People couldn’t accept that he was just a humble kid.”

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David Archuleta: Still Making Headlines

After his success on American Idol, David Archuleta saw tremendous success both in his music career and out in the mission field.  In addition to his mission to Chile, Archuleta continues to stand for his beliefs and inspires through his music and his considerable charitable work.  

--> Order David Archuleta's most recent album, "No Matter How Far," from deseretbook.com today.

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Though Archuleta lost to David Cook in the show’s finale, he’s gone on to have a successful singing career—and even put his work on hold to serve a two-year mission in Chile. He returned home with honor in March of 2014. Other Mormons on the show include LDS singer Brooke White who competed on the same season as Archuleta and endeared herself to the judges and fans when she explained that he’d never seen an R-rated movie or had a drink of alcohol. She was eliminated after making it to the top five.

And just last year, Latter-day Saint Kenzie Hall had a shot at performing on the show after being selected to advance out of 40,000 applicants. However, in a surprise twist, the show eliminated five of the 15 female contestants without ever allowing them to sing for America’s votes. Though disappointed, she told the Deseret News, “All along, I knew I had to rely on my Savior because He sees the bigger picture. And I had a good experience, I think, because I kept to my standards, and I’m proud of that.”

Photos courtesy of LDS Living; Deseret News. Left: Carmen Rasmusen Herbet. Right: Kenzie Hall. 

Young Women's Recognition Award

Kenzie earned her 

Young Women's Recognition Award.

To learn more about this award click HERE

They presented it to her at the Young Women's in Excellence Night.

But she was asked to speak..... 

I was so proud of her.  

She has had to do a lot of things to earn this and with her schedule it wasn't always easy.  

This is Kenzie gathering her thoughts as we drove to the church.

Personal Progress Talk

Intro: 

This year was busy for me and I have to admit that focusing on getting my personal progress finished wasn’t always at the top of my list.  But I had promised myself (as well as my mom) that I would get my YW Recognition before I turned 18.  

President Henry B. Eyring said:

“The patterns you establish as you work on Personal Progress ... will become personal daily habits and will strengthen your testimony and help you learn and improve throughout your life.”

I am grateful for the patterns that Personal Progress helped me establish.  I realized that finishing my requirements wasn’t going to be hard, because they had become part of my daily life.  They had become my habits.  

Music/Service: 

Many of you know that MUSIC is also one of my habits.  But it fit nicely with my Personal Progress.  I want to share a few personal experiences I had where my personal progress habits mixed with music helped “strengthen my testimony.

In October, Salt Lake holds an event called “Light the Night”.  This is an event for cancer survivors as well as family and friends to carry a lighted lantern around Sugar House Park in honor of loved ones who have fought cancer.

Last year when they walked, I could barely speak let alone sing for them.  My heart hurt to see so many people whose lives were effected by cancer.  That night I told my mom, I wanted to continue to be a part of this event.   

American Idol has given me many GREAT opportunities, to which I will forever be grateful. So when the Light the Night organizers called to ask if I would sing.  They said they figured I probably had “bigger opportunities” then their little cancer walk & since it wasn’t a PAID event that there was no obligation for me to say yes.  I think they were surprised when I quickly said “Absolutely”.  What they didn’t realize was that the small act of service I could provide was NOTHING compared to what I got from singing to them.  

This year there was three times the amount of lanterns.  My heart still hurt as I sang.  But many stopped walking so they could thank me for singing.  I was in awe at the kindness they showed to me.  They touched my heart.  As I reflect on this experience, I know the spirit was there.  

I am grateful that service is part of Personal Progress.  It gives me opportunities to feel closer to my Savior and improve myself and my testimony.

Righteous Habits Protect:

I also know that when we are making Personal Progress part of our daily lives, We are Blessed and we are protected from the things of the world.  

A few months ago, I felt the promptings of the Holy Ghost so strongly.  But doing what the Holy Ghost was telling me to do was going to be hard. 

Again Music is my passion.  I love to perform.  But I knew I needed to change the people I was working with.  (I even wrote a song about it that I put on my album.)  To the outside world, it looked like I had everything going for me.  I was performing all the time.  But something repeatedly told me a change was needed.  This change would mean I would not perform as much and may even have to deal with some backlash.  I spoke to my parents and they supported my decision.  

I don’t perform like I used to.  And it was a hard decision to make but each time I feel sad or start to doubt myself, I read something on social media or hear a story that reminds me, that I made the right decision and I was being protected from the things of the world that I wanted no part of.  I know I will still get to sing.  But I will forever be grateful that I have the Holy Ghost and can feel it’s promptings.

Closing:

Sister Dalton said:

“Personal Progress is a pattern of small, righteous actions that, if done consistently over time, will strengthen your faith in Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and build your testimony and prepare you for your future roles.”

I am grateful for Personal Progress.  

I am thankful for leaders who helped me accomplish this goal.  

For advisors who supported me and took time to love me and encourage me to continue to do what I know is right.   

I look forward to my “future roles” and hope to continue to prepare myself and strengthen my testimony as I continue doing the “small, righteous actions” of Personal Progress.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen