One Nation

A few weeks ago, history was made.

I don't do politics, so I am not going to say anything on that subject.

But I will say that my social media hasn't been pleasant. It has been a lot of finger pointing and name calling. It is extremely negative and I don't like it. We are all so blessed to live in this nation where we get to vote. It is awesome that we have a say in our leaders. But over this past month, I have felt like we are divided as a nation. I feel like both political parties are being the stubborn spouse who doesn't want to compromise in the relationship.

With this state of mind, I attended a concert that was put on by the American Heritage Lyceum Philharmonic. It is a group of the elite high school kids in the orchestra world. I walked into this concert knowing it was going to be patriotic but that was it. I didn't have any expectations passed that. The concert was called "One Nation." It was put on to honor the Veterans for Veterans day. This concert took place during the Civil War. There was five singers and the orchestra. There was a beautiful story line of two brothers fighting on opposite sides, a woman whose lover was fighting, a woman whose son was fighting (in the south), and a black man who wanted to join the fight.

Even though this concert was taking place during the Civil War, I found it extremely applicable to this day. We aren't in the extreme situations of the 1860s but we are divided as a nation. We need to remember that we are one nation. We need to fighter together not against each other. The cliché saying "We may not have it all together, but together we have it all" is true! Our country is strong, no matter who is leading it. It isn't our leader that defines us. It is WE who define this country.

So listen to this song.

It is sung by Roderick Covington, who preforms on Broadway. He is currently the head hyena in The Lion King. (HOW COOL IS THAT!? HE LEFT BROADWAY TO SING IN THIS CONCERT!)

His voice. The emotion. The music.

I can't stress enough the feelings I felt during this concert. I wanted to shout from the rooftops for everyone to go and see this concert. We can all use a reminder of how great this nation really is.

BONUS: I met him and got to tell him how amazing he was.

Heidi & Roderick Covington

He even offered his comp tickets to see the concert again. If time was on my side, I would have. In a heart beat.

7 Day Challenge

I love music. This is mostly likely no shock to you.

I can hardly explain my love for music but it goes something like this. The words speak to my mind but the notes speak to my soul. Put that combination together and you get a powerful message. These messages can be good and bad, depending on how you use it. This past week I decided to use music for good and listen to music that is good (not that I listen to terrible music).

For seven days, when I was in control of the music, I would listen to uplifting music. So when I was driving the car or doing homework, I was listening to "Christian" music. I found a radio station called Air1. They play Christ centered music 24/7. They even have "59 seconds of hope." They use the 59 seconds to share a thought-a mini devotional. Sometimes it was a scripture and a thought, the artist talking about the song they wrote and the reason behind it, or a quote to help you get through the day. These 59 seconds set the mood for the next song to play. It helped me feel the Spirit stronger because I had the right mind set.

I found that this week was better than most weeks. My train of thought was different. My mind likes to wander and ponder and by having an uplifting car ride, I was able to ponder thoughts of value. In my train of thought, I saw more blessings. My prayers were full of gratitude and were more personable. Through out the week I was reminded constantly of Christ and His love for me. And all it took was a change in music.

These past 7 days have been a game changer. I can see how music is influencing me. Even though I am not listening to bad music, it isn't His music.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Static Waves

 I went to a benefit concert at a small coffee shop in Sugarhouse. 

Honestly, I was a little skeptical but it turned out to be amazing.
I found my new favorite band. And who would of guess that they would be from Provo, Utah!

Say Geronimo

I work with this girl named Shaelee.

She loves music as much as I do. 

We like to share our awesome taste and this was one of the gems she showed me.

It's catchy, but I warned you. Have fun!

Andy Grammer

Andy Grammer had a new song come out recently and I am in love with it! I can't wait for his entire album which is coming out this summer.

Kenz Hall

If you have watched American Idol you have seen this beautiful girl perform.

She is from Utah. 

My mom actually introduced me to her last summer. She asked me to look up this girl and give my opinion on her. I saw a lot of potential in her. Especially since she was having an EP come out. 

That EP is amazing and I hope you all will go and listen to her songs. She does a ton of covers and puts her own twist on every song. This song she wrote and is one out of the five songs on her EP. 

So check her out and love her as much as I do!

A Great Big World

In Honor of their new album.

A Great Big World is one of my favorites.

(Not that that means anything because I love lots of people.)

But I strongly encourage people to listen to their stuff.

Music

There is always a song that can relate to how you feel.

It amazes me every single time.

And just simply finding that one song can change your whole mood. That is the funny thing about music. There is so much out there that you can't even wrap your head around it. It is almost as mind boggling as eternity. You really can't get sick of music. And if you do you are doing it wrong. You can get sick of the noise but not the music.

So what is the top played music in my life right now?

Funny you should ask.

According to my spotify I like EFY 2013.

I love to listen to it while doing homework and for those days that I need a little help to find that little light.

Teen Pop is still secretly a favorite.

Megan & Liz. I just love them.

Alex Goot makes me swoon.

Alex G's voice is just an angel.

Hot Chelle Rae is just fabulous.

I have also been listening to Matt Nathanson.

I honestly can't get enough. His voice melts me.

Have you actually listened to other songs other than "Come And Get Higher"?

And lets not forget the newest music genre added to my listening.

Christmas.

It isn't too early is it? Personally I feel like Halloween has already passed. (But then the thought occurred to me... Christmas music on the radio? Too early..)

But I still want to decorate my apartment and makes cookies. So it can't be that early for the music. Plus what is so wrong with wanting to bring in the Holiday Spirit? 

When I Eat I Devour.

Wasn't conference just amazing?

I have never loved or learned so much from conference. Afterwards I was spiritually exhausted and I just wanted to ponder all the revelation I was given.  I can honestly say that this conference was the first conference I didn't accidently fall asleep. I stayed awake for all sessions. It was quite the accomplishment. But because of this I feel even more blessed. I just hope that everyone felt as inspired as I did.



Concert No. 2

Joshua Radin & Matt Nathanson
This was the best concert I have been to. Of course I don't have very many to compare it to. Unless you count choral/orchestra concerts. I liked the intimate setting. There was roughly 250 people crowed into this theater. That may seem like a lot of people but not compared to the 7,000 that were at the Imagine Dragons concert. But this way when the performer would talk to the audience you almost felt like they were talking to you specifically. I also loved how when Joshua Radin was singing a hush literally went over the crowd. Everyone was so focused on the beauty of the music.

Heidi & Mom (Carol)

Joshua Radin

 

Joshua Radin

 

Matt Nathanson

Matt Nathanson

The Stage

9/11/01