The last few days have been kind of on the down side. I haven't felt like doing much of anything. I met with my stake president today for the last time since he will be released next week. I will write more about that later. As we talked he reminded me that one of my tools for dealing with the trials in my life is to listen to good music. I realized that has been part of the problem. I haven't listened to music for almost a week.
For the Strength of Youth declares, “Music can enrich your life. It can edify and inspire you and help you draw closer to Heavenly Father. Music has a profound effect on your mind, spirit, and behavior” ([2011], 22).
Three months after the Church was organized, Emma Smith was instructed to make a selection of hymns for the Church. In Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 it says, "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads."
Music has always played a big part in my life from the time I was young. My parents both sing and had originally gone to school to major in music. Although their plans changed they instilled a love and appreciation for good music in each of us, their children. If you are from Emery County chances are you have heard my grandfather sing at a wedding, funeral, in church, or as part of the Huntington Glee Club, which, by the way, is the second oldest musical group in Utah after the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
My mom taught us to appreciate not only the hymns and songs we learned in Primary but also classical music. She had gone to college on a drama scholarship. In high school and college she starred in several musicals including "The Music Man" and "South Pacific." We watched a lot of musicals growing up. In fact my favorite movie is "Brigadoon" starring Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse. Dad taught us to like music of the 50's and 60's. We all loved The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Elvis.
As a teenager I started to like a lot of the popular music and country. Over the years I have gained a great appreciation for many different genres. As I mentioned, however, when I feel down I need something that will draw me closer to the Spirit and my Savior.
After my visit with the stake president I came home and turned on a Pandora station called LDS (Mormon) Music. I have been listening to songs by artists such as Hilary Weeks, Michael McLean, Kenneth Cope, and Voice Male, a personal favorite. My mood since I started listening as increased for the better. I love to hear songs about my Savior.
In Relief Society today the lesson was on the importance of the Sacrament. I started my new calling as the chorister and chose a few Sacrament hymns. It was mentioned that the hymns are a good way to help us prepare to take the sacrament. I made a comment about how an institute teacher once told the class that we should sing or at least read the hymns in first person replacing words such as we, us, and our with I, me, and my. As I have done this regularly I have gained a deeper understanding of why we partake the emblems that represent our Savior's Atonement. I love to sing the hymns.
As I have prepared to write this post, I looked up several articles and talks on https//:www.lds.org There are so many talks on the power of music that I couldn't pick out any one in particular. One of the things I found is this: "Those who have listened to music understand well the impact it can have on the mind and spirit. Positive, uplifting music can bring feelings of happiness and peace. The hymns of the Church are a key part of worship and invite the Spirit of the Lord. They can be especially helpful in controlling one's thoughts. In contrast, unwholesome, negative music can encourage inappropriate thoughts and behavior. As with other forms of media, Church members are encouraged to be careful in their choice of music"
I want to share just a few videos of some of my favorite songs that bring me peace and comfort especially when I am feeling down. I hope that you can find peace and joy in listening to good music and feel the power that it brings.
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