Love of Music
Have you ever heard a song that immediately takes your mind to a specific moment or memory? It's interesting how much music can play a part of your life. I absolutely LOVE music. I grew up having music all around me. My parents love music as well, so it was playing often in our house. My siblings are all great singers and have been apart of choirs all through the school years. They still sing in church to this day. I also married into a very talented musical family. My husband is a great singer. Music as you can see is definitely a part of my life. I always have music playing while I clean, do laundry, surf the internet, run errands, exercise, shower, I could go on and on. I didn't realize how much music is a part of my life until I really started to think about it this month.
There are so many different types of music. You have pop, rap, R&B, blues, opera, theatrical, instrumental, folk, indie rock, slow rock, hard rock, heavy metal or my personal favorite...country and many more. There are so many styles to choose from.
The genre of music someone listens to can tell a lot about them. Back when I was dating that was a question I asked often. I felt like if I knew the type of music, bands, singers, or songs they enjoyed then it would show me a little piece of who they were.
Music is very powerful and can have a great impact on your life. It's incredible to think that you can listen to a certain artist or song and it sparks a memory. When I listen to certain songs it can take me back to exciting times, hard times, break ups, friends, vacations, love, family, etc.
For example:
If I hear Kenny Chesney's 'Summertime' I am immediately on a boat and soaking up the sun in Lake Powell with my family. Justin Timberlake's 'Senorita' reminds me of the time my boss told me he was relocating to Las Vegas and I needed to start looking for another job. It just happened to be the song that popped up on my radio on my way home from work that day. 'My Wish' by Rascal Flatts was the song I danced with my Dad to at my wedding. Bruno Mars' 'Just the Way You Are' takes me to a time with my husband. He sang it to me on our way back from his sister's house. 'Sweet Escape' by Gwen Stefani means Real scored a goal :) and I think of all the great times when I worked for Real Salt Lake.
There are so many different types of music. You have pop, rap, R&B, blues, opera, theatrical, instrumental, folk, indie rock, slow rock, hard rock, heavy metal or my personal favorite...country and many more. There are so many styles to choose from.
The genre of music someone listens to can tell a lot about them. Back when I was dating that was a question I asked often. I felt like if I knew the type of music, bands, singers, or songs they enjoyed then it would show me a little piece of who they were.
Music is very powerful and can have a great impact on your life. It's incredible to think that you can listen to a certain artist or song and it sparks a memory. When I listen to certain songs it can take me back to exciting times, hard times, break ups, friends, vacations, love, family, etc.
For example:
If I hear Kenny Chesney's 'Summertime' I am immediately on a boat and soaking up the sun in Lake Powell with my family. Justin Timberlake's 'Senorita' reminds me of the time my boss told me he was relocating to Las Vegas and I needed to start looking for another job. It just happened to be the song that popped up on my radio on my way home from work that day. 'My Wish' by Rascal Flatts was the song I danced with my Dad to at my wedding. Bruno Mars' 'Just the Way You Are' takes me to a time with my husband. He sang it to me on our way back from his sister's house. 'Sweet Escape' by Gwen Stefani means Real scored a goal :) and I think of all the great times when I worked for Real Salt Lake.
Sometimes I hear a song that reminds me of someone in particular. There is no memory behind it. The lyrics take me somewhere and it makes me think of someone special or someone I don't really care for haha. It's as if the lyrics speak to me or were written for a certain situation in my life. It feels like the song is saying everything my heart is feeling. Lyrics to me are what make the song. Within the lyrics you may find yourself and it's where the world can make sense.
How many times do you hear a song and it just sends chills up and down your spine or it causes a tear to well up in your eyes? Music is powerful. I believe it's something for which our soul yearn. Many times when I hear the Star-Spangled Banner play, it sends goose bumps on my arms. I went with my sisters to the Stadium of Fire which is a concert at the BYU stadium for a 4th of July celebration. Carrie Underwood, a personal favorite of mine, was the headliner and she came out and sang the National Anthem and it brought me to tears. It was beautiful. I also cried the first time I heard her rendition of 'How Great Thou Art' with Vince Gill on guitar. If you haven't seen that, you need to! It's incredible.
View here:
Music can also be very therapeutic. It can take you away from this stress-filled world. There is nothing greater than a nice, hot bubble bath with your favorite music playing in the back ground. It's as if the world goes away for a minute and you can think and breathe once again. For me, I just add a cookie and Diet Coke and I'm in my own little heaven. Many times I turn to music as my escape. Sometimes music is the only thing that can take your mind off of everything else.
Never underestimate the therapeutic power of driving and listening to very loud music. The mood we are in dictates what song choices we make. We know we all have done it. We have been that crazy person at the stop light singing as loud as we can and banging our hands on the wheel with all the energy of our heart and soul. Wait ... what ... I'm the only one?! Nah :) I know there are many others out there too.
On a final note ... no pun intended :) Those who have listened to music understand the impact it can have on the mind and spirit. Positive, uplifting music can bring feelings of happiness and peace. For instance, church hymns are a key part of worship and invite the Spirit of the Lord. In contrast, unwholesome, negative music can encourage inappropriate thoughts and behavior. As with other forms of media we need to be careful on our choice of music. I'm definitely not saying that you only should listen to church hymns, but you should be careful with the type of music you are filling your life with. More importantly - pay attention to the music your kids are choosing and listening to. You may learn a lot about them if you take the time to listen to what they like.
Questions to think about:
Do I know my child's favorite bands or songs? What kind of example am I leading with my music choices? Does my music uplift me and make me feel better or bring me down? What kind of lyrics are in the songs I listen to?
Family Home Evening Ideas:
Begin and end Family Home Evening with a song. Talk about the importance and impact that music can have. Have each person say what their favorite song, band, genre is and why? You may learn something about each child :)
Follow up from previous months:
Did you know that 56% of people are no longer doing their new year resolution by this time? Are you one of the 56%? If so, get back to your goals!! You have 6 more months you can do it! If you need to modify them by all means do so.
