I LOVE SPRING!!

Every Spring I am so happy...so grateful that the bitter cold days are past...there is new life, warmth, and beauty! This song is a favorite that helps me feel the significance of nature's symbolism more deeply. It is called "Every Season" written by Nichole Nordeman. I heard it first by Kenneth Cope (another favorite of mine). On his website (kennethcope.com) he writes:

"We can find images and symbols of Christ everywhere we look. He made it that way. He wanted us to remember Him. “All things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him” (2 Nephi 11: 4).  I praise Him for this. The earth is full of such reminders. We see Him in constancy. We feel Him in change. We marvel at Him in life. We weep before Him in death. We rejoice in the anticipation of our rebirth.

I also think of these scriptures:

Job 12 7-10

7  But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee:
8  Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee.
9  Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?
10  In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Alma 30:44
...and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it..."

Every Season

Every evening sky, an invitation
To trace the patterned stars
And early in July, a celebration
For freedom that is ours
And I notice You
In children's games
In those who watch them from the shade
Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder
You are Summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are Autumn

And everything in time and under heaven
Finally falls asleep
Wrapped in blankets white, all creation
Shivers underneath
And still I notice you
When branches crack
And in my breath on frosted glass
Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter
You are Winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced
Teaching us to breathe
What was frozen through is newly purposed
Turning all things green
So it is with You
And how You make me new
With every season's change
And so it will be
As You are re-creating me
Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

I am so grateful for the knowledge and faith that I have in Jesus Christ. The whole earth testifies of Him. Through Him our "bitterest winters" of life will one day be made new, warm, and bright!

Happy Spring!

-

Holly

Why I am starting this blog...Music moves me...

My family, religion, and music define me. Anyone that knows me, knows that I can think of a song for just about any meaningful subject. We listen to a variety of music (nothing heavy) in our home. Everyone has different tastes. It's fun to find music that is upbeat and makes chores just easier to get through, or exercising more fun, whatever it may be, there are all sorts of choices. However, if it's up to me, it's inspirational music. It can be contemporary, classical, choral or instrumental, but it has to speak to my spirit. It turns me to Christ. It turns me to love, understanding, peace, grace, hope, release....

Just last week our church held its Semi-Annual General Conference where we hear from the Prophet and Apostles of the Lord, Jesus Christ. (http://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng) During that conference, Elder Neil L Anderson said, "Let’s make sharing our faith online more a part of our daily life..."

So here I am. I love hearing inspirational words! But even more when they are set to beautiful music, I am moved. I am going to share the music that moves me with you. A few of my closest friends will tell me that I always say "Listen to the words!!!!" when I share a song with them. I tell my kids that too, when I wonder what the message is in the music they listen to. Sometimes they realize the message isn't the best, or sometimes they help me see that the message can be deeper than I think. It's fun to see them notice more about what they are listening to. Anyway, I hope you can be moved my some of the music I will share or find comfort and strength in it. 

Today I'd like to share a song by Hilary Weeks (http://hilaryweeks.com/) This will not be the last time I do. She inspires me a lot!

It's called "You Give" and the lyrics really make me think about life and trusting in the Lord with a better perspective. There is so much about all these words and the strength and hope I feel from listening to it. I can't even choose a favorite part. It's all good! I'd love to hear your response to it.

I like to read the words then close my eyes and listen...enjoy!

You Give

by Hilary Weeks

You give me sight when I can’t see

You give me breath when I can’t breathe

And You give me love and You give me peace

You always seem to give just what I need

You take my doubt and replace it with truth

You take my fear so all I see is You

And You take me as I am and You take me by the hand

You see to my soul and You take just what I need

You give and take away and refine me day by day

As You lead me through the bitter and sweet

I am trusting You to make me complete

Though You see the heartache You’re sending Your sweet grace

As You give… and You take

You give me strength and You give me life

You give me hope and You give me light

And You take my pain and You take my shame

You bless me to see the give and take is just what I need

You give and take away and refine me everyday

As You lead me through the bitter and sweet

I am trusting You to make me complete

Though You see the heartache You’re sending Your sweet grace

As You give… and You take

Please send Your perfect grace

As You give

And You take