Power of a Song

I LOVE music! Whether I am feeling happy, sad, mellow, or hyper I can always find a song to fit my mood. There are songs that make me laugh, songs that bring back wonderful memories, and songs that bring the spirit into my life. I believe there is a great power in music. Music brings the spirit faster than anything I know. People often ask me what my favorite song is and I never have an answer because my favorite song changes on almost a daily basis. This time of year Christmas music brings a special feeling that really makes the holidays for me. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without the sounds of Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Frosty the Snowman, Away in a Manger, and Silent Night. I am a firm believer that life was meant to have a soundtrack. I wish life really were like a musical and people would spontaneously burst out into song and dance while walking down the street. I do this a lot in my head, but only put it into action when I'm with a group of close friends who love me for my silliness.

So, if my life were a musical and had a soundtrack the song I believe that would be playing right now is called "I Look to You", it is a beautiful song. It reminds me that even when life seems dark and the rain seems to be pouring down there is hope in Christ. When we feel all alone and as though we have no one to turn to we can always look to God. His love for us beyond comprehension and He will always be there for us. I think Whitney Houston originally sang this song, but I have recently fell in love with the Glee version. I created a little video with the lyrics of the song so you can enjoy it as well.

Laughter

"The most wasted day of all is that during which we have not laughed." - Sebastian R. N. Chamfort

I spent the day babysitting Savannah and Isaac. It started off as not a bad day and then not long after feeding Isaac he started to get really fussy. I had to constantly hold him or else he would break out into screaming cries, it wasn't long before even walking around holding him wasn't enough to calm him down. I could tell this little guy was sick! Every so often I could get him to calm down for just a minute or two, during one of those time I was playing with him and trying to keep him focused on a silly little toy as I did he actually smiled and laughed. It touched me that this little baby who was so sick still found enough enjoyment in a moment to laugh about it.

Finally the time came that I left Layton and headed home. I was hungry and after having had a seemingly long day I decided I didn't want to go home and cook, so I pulled into the McDonald's near my house for some dinner and a redbox movie. Just as I pulled in I realized I'd left my coat with my wallet in the pocket at my uncle's house. A-1! I pulled back out onto the road and headed for the freeway to drive back to Layton. I was so frustrated and kept complaining to myself about why I was such an idiot and how much gas I was wasting now. My uncle was kind enough to meet me in Clearfield so I didn't have to go all the way to Layton, but I still complained the whole way there. However, on the way back I got thinking about the moment of laughter with Isaac earlier and realized that this was a moment that I could choose to laugh about rather than complain. I started laughing about how goofy I was for losing my wallet twice in one week. I laughed at my uncle's comment that it must mean I didn't want it and how he'd be glad to take it off my hands for me. I simply laughed, and it felt good.

What did you laugh at today?

Change

"Things that don't change stay the same."

The topic of change has been on my mind a lot lately. There are quite a few things going on in my life right now that are generating change. Some of it I'm excited about and some I don't want at all. So, I've been pondering the purpose of change and all of it's pro's and con's. I think some people can adapt to change really well and it doesn't bother them hardly at all. Others have such a hard time with change that it puts them into anxiety attacks when any little thing changes.

I used to work for a company where each employee had their certain desk and just like in elementary school the "seating chart" would get changed now and then. I for one was never bothered by the change. I would pack up my stuff and move over to my new desk and get back to work. However, others would throw a fit. Some people would gripe over not being able to sit next to their friends or being too close to the bosses office. One girl would cry almost every time just because it was something new and she didn't like it. Did our employer do this just to see who they could bug? No. There was always a purpose to the change of the seating arrangement. We as employees were not always told what these reasons were. We could only see the small picture and how it affected us on a short term basis. I believe this is the same thing with life. One of the big changes happening right now is that my bishop of the last 3 years is being released this coming Sunday. I for one am NOT happy about it, (not that I'm angry, just very sad). Bishop Shaffer and I have become extremely close over the last few years. He is like a second dad to me. I've known this was coming for a while and have tried hard to prepare myself for it, but it really doesn't make it any easier now that it's here. I don't like change that takes people I care about away from me. However, as I sit here crying I try to remember those days at work and remember that God is in charge here. He has a plan that I can't see. He has His reasons for making this change. Right now all I can see is the small picture and how it's affecting me, but I need to have faith that there is a bigger picture and Heavenly Father will make sure everything works out just fine.

There are changes that come into our life that may not have as specific a purpose as the example above. Change that happens all the time that may throw us off a bit, but is necessary for reasons of it's own. For example, the seasons change. Here in Utah we are currently changing from fall to winter. I'm not a big fan of this change either. I love fall and spring but strongly dislike winter. So, I'm kinda half and half on this type of change. I am starting two projects this week with the purpose of creating change in my life. One is a ten day challenge about recapturing beauty. It's purpose is to help me change the way I view myself. I think this is going to be a bitter sweet challenge. I've never had great self-esteem and so to do this challenge is a bit scary. It's causing me to open my mind to something I try to keep hidden. I don't like it so I sweep it under a rug and pretend it's not there. However, things that don't change stay the same and I obviously desire things to change in this area of my life or I wouldn't be doing the challenge.

Sometimes we are the ones who create changes in our lives. We change our hairstyle, rearrange the furniture, etc. I for one love rearranging the furniture it gives me a wonderful sense of change. It just makes everything feel fresh and new. The other project I'm starting this week is a 21 day journey designed to bring one closer to Christ. I'm excited about this challenge. I am in a place in my life where I need to feel a closeness to the Savior that isn't there. I'm hoping that through this challenge I can truly change some of my spiritual habits and use the time to develop a better relationship with Him.

So, what's my point...? Change can be hard or it can be fun, but either way change is usually good for us in the long run.