The Sounds of Music

Yes, I did mean to say the Sounds of music...with an "s".

Music is a rather powerful instrument, is it not? I've found myself a bit emotional recently simply by listening to music. Lots of emotions: sad, happy, nostalgic, hopeful, spiritual and more. Music is very powerful and can allow you to work through certain events in your life if you let it.

I remember when I was a freshman in college, I was going through a tough time and my mom bought me an iPod--my first one, by the way. I remember her telling me that she got it for me because she knows how much music influences my life for the good. She thought it'd be a good tool for me to have to boost my spirits. That was the first time that I really thought about how much music impacts my life.

Here are some of the songs that I simply adore that bring back some fantastic memories and or emotions:

Tale as Old as Time--Jamie and I danced to this song on our wedding day. He also had this song playing in the background when he proposed to me :) Love him. Love this movie. Love this song. It's makes me nostalgic.

Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman--My dooda and I danced to this at my wedding (still can't listen to it without weeping)

Souled Out by Lecrae--This is one of my workout songs. It really gets my energy up and ready to move. It also reminds me of my days at Kids Across America (KAA). Some kind of Christian rap was ALWAYS playing and it was awesome!! :)

Rollin' by Limp Bizkit--I know I know...this is a little out of character for me, but this is my angry song. It's an awesome song to plug into your iPod, go on a run, and run off any and every frustration you have! Trust me...it's probably the "angriest" song I've got in my collection.

You Said by Shane and Shane--This song totally brings me back to my Kanakuk Days...along with any other Christian song :) I just remember never getting tired of listening to Shane and Shane while at Kamp. There's something so serene about the harmony of their voices and the godly message they proclaim through music.

It's a Hard Knock Life from the musical, Annie--My family will appreciate this one :) I used to blast this as loud at it could go and dance around the house pretending to clean all while singing this song. I also remember watching this over and over again at my Grandpa Bruce and Grandma Betty's house. They had it on VHS and we watched it all the time. Probably while eating Ramen Noodles.

Edelweiss from the musical, The Sound of Music--a classic. A favorite of mine. This movie and the music from it bring me back to many sleep overs at my Grandpa Cecil and Grandma Bonnie's house. They also had this on VHS and we watched it all the time. I'm watching this movie as I write this and the music still makes me tearful. I love it.

Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid--really any Disney song makes me think of Jenks High School Pom. We went to Orlando every year for nationals and we all so loved going to the parks and acting like little kids. Till this day, I still think of our pom trips to Disney World any time I hear a Disney song.

Seasons of Love from the musical, Rent--another classic. I love this song with all my heart. This song allows me to close my eyes and pretend I'm on the Broadway stage, entertaining hundreds of thousands. Seasons of Love never gets old and I love every note and lyric and voice in this song.

It is Well with My Soul--This song has always and will always bring tears to my eyes. It is a passionate song filled with promise and hope and healing. This song also reminds me of my mama. I know she loves this song and any time we hear it, we are quickly silenced by the tender lyrics.

Agnus Dei--I just heard about this little boy's version of this epic song, and I'm so grateful to have this, because it is one of the most beautiful renditions of praise to our awesome God. The lyrics are simple and true and I've always been moved to tears when I hear this song. And this boy...oh. my. word. His talent and passion is unreal. If you don't listen to any of these videos, take 4 minutes to listen to this one. Incredible.

And those are only a mere fraction of the songs that either move me or grow me spiritually or give me a feeling of nostalgia or just flat out make me happy. I love music. I love what it does to my heart and to my spirit. That sounds corny, but it's true.

I hope you're now having a musical afternoon and do something fun on this Thirsty Thursday. I'm sipping on a nice cool iced tea and loving every drop :) Jamie and I have a pizza date tonight and I'm pretty stoked about it too!

Love and hugs to you!