Movie Monday- Christmas time is here again!

In honor of the holiday season I thought I would start off with one man's musical tribute to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Handel was a composer who lived in the 1700s. He was a talented musician who was able to master the violin and organ at a young age. He started writing operas in Italy and later moved to England where he enjoyed early success. However, as he grew older his audience became less and less interested in his works. For the majority of his life he spent his time fighting off creditors. It was only after he suffered, and recovered from, a stroke that left his right arm temporarily paralyzed that he wrote a piece that is world renowned today and one of the best pieces of music ever written. Handel's Messiah.



May we all remember this holiday season the wonderful gift of having Christ live on this earth, and may we also use Handel as an example of perseverance that we might also be able to glorify God in our own individual ways as we strive to follow Him.

Friday Free Day! "Without music life would be a mistake.' ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

So in keeping with one of my sister's blogs, I've decided that certain days should have themes. She does this in everyday life to entertain her kids during summertime, and I find it equally entertaining so I've decided to do it on my blog! What can I say, my blog... My rules! ;)

For my first 'Friday Free Day' I've thought a lot about the influence music has on my life. Both my missionary life, and regular life. At the risk of being cliche I would quote the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet, which is a kind of guidebook for teenagers in the LDS Church...

"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...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..."- “Music and Dancing,” For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 20

I would encourage, and invite everyone to notice the music in their lives, and more importantly the affect that it has on them. If it needs to be changed, then change it. It can never hurt to try and grow closer to our Heavenly Father.