~~Music~~

Music is such an important part of my life. I am so thankful for music. All my life, I've been exposed to music of one sort or another. My mom played the piano beautifully. She learned to sight-read piano music when she served in our church, and she learned well. It made her so nervous and anxious to play in front of people, but she still did it!



I remember when I was young, maybe somewhere between 4 and 8, for my birthday one year, my sister Shirley let me choose any record (45? the small ones) that I wanted. I chose "Celebration, " by Kool and the Gang. I loved that one.



I taught myself how to play the piano when I was around 11 or 12. There was a favorite song of mine at church, and I wanted to play it. I labeled the sheet music for every key (which key, like "A, B, etc.") and practiced every day, constantly, for a VERY long time, until I could play it decently. Problem is, is that because I taught myself, I learned counting wrong, and some other things. So, when my parents put me in lessons to fix those wrong lessons, I found it near impossible to undo the wrong teaching I had already given myself. Ann was still a wonderful teacher and challenged me to do better. She played the piano at Andy's and my wedding a few years later.



Several years ago, my mom passed away unexpectedly. The first couple years were a blur. But, I remember listening to Enya non-stop for months. Her music was like a soft lullaby, yet ritual too. Very soothing.



Music at church can teach, as it reaches our Spirit in ways words (written and spoken) cannot. My favorite Sacrament meeting happened a few years back. I don't know if it was planned or if the speakers didn't show up. Our organist could play anything and beautifully. So, anyone could go up to the pulpit, tell the hymn and verse they wanted sung, and they could explain why, or they could just request it. It was a very spiritual meeting, filled with worshipful music.



Andy and I both love music, and at home, we constantly have music on, either at home or in the car. I love to download music on iTunes and use it to relax or to exercise to.



I've been exercising lately, and have found that, although the baby has the tv on really loud so he can hear it (the treadmill at the RMH is loud and he can't hear with one ear), I can really enjoy the time exercising if I connect with the music. I can't stand the exercise, but the music makes it so bearable. Even the slower music, if I'm able to enjoy it, helps me to have a good pace while exercising!



One song in particular has touched me a lot this year. It has nothing to do with cancer. My children mock it, and they mock me for liking it. I don't know why. But, it touches me. It's about serving "the least of these" and for some reason, I've always had sympathy for those who are homeless, whether by choice or not. It really is not that hard to share a little of what substance we have (it doesn't have to be money), but it is so fulfilling to share a little love.

That song is called "It's All About Love," by Brian McKnight and his son. It's a Christmas song, but I listen to it all year long.



So, because I feel prompted (actually, I've felt prompted for a few weeks now), I made a list of my favorite songs to share. I'm going to search for youtube videos for each, but if I can't find one, they should be on iTunes. I don't know if any are explicit, but my versions are all clean.



It's All About Love - Brian McKnight and Niko, his son

Any song from the movie, Prince of Egypt

Sara(h) - Starship

Alright - Darius Rucker

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (my wedding song played by Ann) - Bach

Beautiful World (We're All Here) with Adam Crossley - Jim Brickman

Believe - Josh Groban

Celebration - Kool and the Gang

Desert Rose - Sting

EFY Medley: As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth - Michael R. Hicks

Forever Young - InsideOut Acapella

I'm Alive (With Dave Matthews) - Kenny Chesney

If Everyone Cared - Nickelback

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

Just the Way You Are - Bruno Mars

Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts

Orange Colored Sky

Pachelbel's Canon in D

The Prayer (with Charlotte Church) - Josh Groban

Rock With You - Brandy

Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows - Lesley Gore

Tamahana - Te Vaka

This is my Song

What the World Needs Now is Love (live) - Jim Brickman

When I Fall in Love/I Love You (for Sentimental Reasons) - InsideOut A Capella

Where are You, Christmas - Faith Hill

You Put a Move on my Heart - Tamia Washington

4 and 20 - Joss Stone