The Reason I Sing

Tonight was a very special and surprising night.  I went to perform with Noteworthy expecting it to be like any other performance, but it was much more. 

A man who has been helping us with publicity and such on the internet asked us to come perform a 45 minute set for his son's memorial/birthday.  He had a child who died 5 hours after birth because of heart complications, and today was his birthday.  Unlike a lot of our performances, this audience was a small group of his family and close friends.  We began with a hymn, singing "Abide With Me, 'Tis Eventide," and continued by singing many of our songs, including "Roar," "Keep Your Head Up," "This Girl Is On Fire/Firework." Most of the songs we sang aren't necessarily considered "churchy" songs, but I could seriously feel the spirit the entire time.  It was amazing!  The whole time I was reminded of the real love that God has for us, and that someday these people will all see that little boy again.  How amazing is it that we know that?! It is so comforting.  The audience tonight was SO much fun, they were dancing in their seats and smiling the entire time, not to mention a few of them cried during our performances.  The last song we sang was "How Great Thou Art."  Ever since we started singing this song in Noteworthy it has been very special to me, and I love singing it.  The spirit while we sang this song tonight, however, was so tangible that I got choked up.  I had a difficult time getting through my solo because of the tears I could feel forming.  These were happy tears though.  These were tears of joy because of the spirit that I felt and the fact that I know we will see our loved ones again someday. :)

Nights like these remind me why I sing.  

I want to uplift others through music. That's what performing's all about, isn't it??

For the past year or so I have been really frustrated with my voice and struggles with it that I've been working on.  I often leave voice lessons feeling discouraged and annoyed, wondering if music is really what I want to do with my life.  But then I have nights like tonight when I remember why I love to sing and perform so much and how I really do want to do music forever.

I am not particularly good with words or writing, as you have probably noticed just from reading my blog;) Singing is how I really express myself.  I really struggled writing this blog post just because I have so many thoughts/emotions and it's hard for me to get them out on paper...or screen, if you will. ;) 

MUSIC IS DA BOMB. I love it. :) hehe.

We also sang "How Great Thou Art" at a fireside on Sunday.  If you want to listen to that song, click here. 
I am so grateful for opportunities like these, people like that family, and the happiness that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings. <3 <3

Happiness Is...

 There are so many happy things in life, I just can barely fathom it.  When you take a second to look around, life is full of so many simple joys. 

Here are a few of the happy things this past week has brought me:

Happiness is...

 My 9 "sisters"

I am so grateful for these ladies: my 8 Noteworthy sisters and our director.  Being a part of Noteworthy has seriously taught me so much and helped me to grow in many ways.  These ladies mean the world to me, and I love them to pieces. :) As always, this week was filled with much Noteworthy, including 3 days of recording in the studio and rehearsals.

Happiness is...

 Being in a dance class

A very simple thing, and yet it really brings me joy. I love the opportunity I have to take classes like this here at school and learn fun things like how to ballroom dance. Here is a picture of the triple swing!

Happiness is...

 

Temple walks with my roommate

Both of these things make me so happy: the temple, and going on walks! So why not combine them and spend a Sunday afternoon laying on the grass at the temple reading scriptures, writing in journals, and writing missionaries? The beautiful weather is so refreshing!

 

 

Happiness is...

Going on a run, and having it randomly turn into exploring/hiking on a mountain.  

The beautiful view, rocks, mountains, fresh air, and basically everything about that adventure was so refreshing, calming, and almost therapeutic.  I've been having definite adventurelust (if that's even a thing...it is now!) lately, so that exploration was really nice.

 

Happiness is...

 

 Getting a letter from your best friend

This handy work is from the one and only Emily Jarman, and came along with a letter, which made me so happy! She is serving a mission right now for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Happiness is...

 

 Going skiing for the first time, and LOVING it

Did I mention that I LOVED it??? Wow. Why have I not tried skiing before??? I'm hooked. Of course, I've only been once so am still definitely a beginner, but I didn't realize how much I would love skiing. Everything about it was fantastic: the rush you get while gliding down the slopes with the wind in your face, the mountains, the clouds, the snow, everything.  Not to mention I went with my sister and her husband, who took me as a birthday present. Can't get better company than that!

 And, of course, going to Olive Garden looking like a hobo afterwards;) I also had knee high purple socks on and my siblings looked just as hobo as I did. Good times. :)

Happiness is...

 Walking all the way to Macey's just to get sidewalk chalk

And obviously stopping for Little Caesars and eating it in Chik-fil-A.. Then continuing the evening by drawing with said sidewalk chalk and going hot tubbing.

 Happiness is...

 The little things.

This picture just encompasses my passion about the little things in life.  Taking this picture brought me more joy than you'd think :) Just seeing drops of rain hanging on the trees around campus brings a smile to my face.  Also, I really like photography, so that probably added to my joy as well;)

Life is so good! Happiness is everywhere, you just gotta pay attention.

:)