Ep 48: “Are You Using the GiftS of Music for You & Your Kids?”

I didn't remember this story of “when Saul was troubled with an evil spirit, David played for him with his harp and Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed" (see 1 Samuel 16:23) (Ezra Taft Benson, "Do Not Despair," Ensign 16 [October 1986]: 5). I love that is included in the Bible! There are so many awesome gifts of music!! This episode was really so much fun to write as I reflected on an experience during my grandfathers funeral, as well as a youth conference lesson showing a clip from Jurassic Park, moments of gaining testimony in myself and in my teenager, how my daughter listened to a song that made her "feel strong" inside,  learning about parts of the brain that get activated with music, and more. I really enjoyed and needed the reminder of how powerful this free, easy-to-use tool is and how MANY giftS it can bring. Don't have time to listen? I still got you! Here's one quote, then a couple ideas to consider implementing: One gift of music includes that “we [can] get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer" (President J. Reuben Clark Jr., in Conference Report, Oct. 1936, 11). A piece of advice I was given my baby shower from the eldest (and wisest) in the room, wrote down on her 3x5 card for me to remember this counsel: "Sing to your kids at night." Have any older kids that are past that stage? Me too! One thing we can do is to put fun music on when you clean or are in the car together. Or you can share some of your favorite songs so when they hear it later in life, they'll think of you when they hear those songs. You got this, inner peacemaker! One messy, wonderful day at a time!