I play piano, drums and ukulele. I LOVE being able to sit down and play any of those instruments. I used to play drums when I was frustrated or wanted to release some energy! I would sit down to the piano and play hymns or other music to relax and escape. I would play ukulele and walk around the house and sing to express joy or be goofy. There are so many more reasons why I would play those instruments often! I just absolutely love music and being able to make music has been such a blessing in my life.
My brother Andrew is one of the most talented string instrument player I have ever met. Like seriously amazing. Here is a picture from YEARS ago on his first performance. (He might kill me for posting this, but the answer is yes, you can call him POODLE HEAD! :)) But anyways, I don't remember our house ever being quiet. He was always playing guitar or violin or any other string instrument he could get his hands on. But I loved it. He always brought the spirit into our home. I loved when we were able to jam out together. Music has been one of the ways that we were able to spend a lot of time together and bond. I will always be grateful for that. Goodness I LOVE MUSIC! I didn't realize how much it was really in my life all the time!For the Strength of Youth booklet it says the following about music,
“Music is an important and powerful part of life. It can be an influence for good that helps you draw closer to Heavenly Father. However, it can also be used for wicked purposes. Unworthy music may seem harmless, but it can have evil effects on your mind and spirit.
”Choose carefully the music you listen to. Pay attention to how you feel when you are listening. Don't listen to music that drives away the Spirit, encourages immorality, glorifies violence, uses foul or offensive language, or promotes Satanism or other evil practices“
In Colossians 3:16 it says, " Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." I love this verse because of the truthfulness it says. Singing with grace in your hearts is one of the many ways we get to praise our God! When we listen to and play good music, we choose to invite the spirit and praise God.
While being out here on my mission, my mission President is very lenient on music. We can listen to anything that brings the spirit and doesn't have overloading tunes and lovey dovey lyrics. But ultimately it is up to the missionaries. What brings the spirit into our lives? What brings us closer to Christ? What praises God? Every person is different and feels differently. So ultimately it is up to you to decide what invites the spirit and what doesn't. Also you have your agency! You get to choose what music you listen to. Good or bad, the choice is yours!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a great FREE website that has great uplifting music! Here is the link: https://www.lds.org/youth/music?cid=YS-C-music&lang=eng I would invite all who are reading this to reevaluate the music that you have in your lives. To find what invites the spirit and what pushes it away. I have seen the difference in myself as I have done this. I am a lot happier and I feel the spirit more! I LOVE IT! :)
I can't believe I am going to post this, but quite a few years ago, my friends and I decided to do a cover of a song, "Jesus is a friend of mine." Okay so it is super embarrassing, so I hope you laugh while watching it!