The Sound of Music

One thing I feel I have been very much blessed with is the gift of music. I don't say this to be overly confident. I say this because because I feel like we each have something in our life that we feel comfortable in, just made for that something. Music is that something for me. I was blessed to be part of a musically talented family. My Dad and Mom felt music was very important in our home and I'll be forever grateful for that. My Dad is also an excellent singer and my Mom is too, if she allows herself to realize that. For as long as I can remember, my Dad has been working with us, teaching how to sing, and giving up many opportunities to sing. One of my fondest memories is when we would go to rest homes, every Christmas, and sing for all the sweet Grandma's and Grandpa's there. They always seemed so happy and grateful to have us there. It really impacted my life. My parents also enrolled us in piano lessons at the age of 7. I remember hating to practice. My parents told us that we had to stay in until we were 14, then we could decide if we wanted to continue. Well, they knew best, again! I remember around the age of 10 or 11 having the strongest desire to play better. It became a goal of mine that I would be able to play whatever piece of music that was sat in front of me. So, when the age of 14 came along, I was LOVING piano lessons and didn't want to stop. I finally reached my goal. Now, I'm no Beethoven but, I can hold my own, ha ha! As the years have gone by, I have been given countless opportunities to use my talents and abilities. I loved being on a mission, being able to play the piano. I have loved accompanying people, whenever needed. I have also enjoyed singing. I'm grateful that I can read parts because it makes singing so much fun! I love singing with my Dad and my family! For my farewell my whole family (including in-laws) sang a Janice Kapp Perry arrangement of "Armies of Helaman". It was SO EXCITING! There were 5 women (me, my sister, my Mom, and 2 sister-in-laws) and 5 men (my Dad and 4 brothers) included and it gave me chills. My most recent challenge with music was receiving the call as a joint Ward Organist. I don't have much experience or training when it comes to the organ. It has always intimidated me. Plus, I LOVE to play the piano. Well, the experience of playing the organ has been awesome. I've still got a long ways to go but, I have loved learning what I have so far! I have loved being challenged and having to learn and grow. Anyway, I know this is a random post. I've just been thinking on this a lot lately and feel grateful! It seems like I have been participating in musical numbers a lot these last 2 weeks. I'm sure people are thinking, "Oh no! Laura's singing AGAIN!!!!" I cannot blame them. I'm just grateful for the opportunity. I feel very passionate about music and feel it's one area that I can truly express myself and also feel things deeply so, it brings me a lot of peace to sing or play the piano. In a couple weeks we will be going to a different ward, since we have moved into different boundaries. With that change comes the change of callings in my ward! I will really, really miss and am saddened to lose the chance to play the organ every other week! I have so enjoyed it! I'm sure that I'll have other opportunites but, I have loved being in this particular ward and sharing in music with others around me. There are so many talented people in our ward. Today we performed our Christmas cantata. It was BEAUTIFUL, I thought! Nothing makes me more happy than to see a large group of people coming together to sing parts. Especially the men. Something about men singing in harmony is just amazing! Ok, I'm done and am jumping down from my soap box. I just had to share some feelings I was having. THE END! :)