*Dont you give up!*

*Saturday night advice*

*Torn*

*My blog testifies...*

...that music is POWERFUL.

Through music, a persons ability to express themselves extends to the heavens. Music has changed me, softened me, strengthened me, enlightened me, sustained me, and has been an answer to my prayers a million times. I know I've spoken of this on here before, but God has always been able to reach me through music. Especially on the days where I'm feeling 'unreachable'...he uses music to reach me and speak to my spirit. It has brought peace, joy, encouragement, and understanding. I can't imagine life without it.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes on music;

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music."

~Aldous Huxley

"Music is worthless unless it can make a complete stranger break down and cry"

~Imogen Heap

Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.

~Plato

Music can change the world because it can change people.

~Bono

Side Note: I also know how music has power to destroy and can bring about deceit, jealousy, rage, hatred, immorality and much more. It can destroy as much as it can save, but that's a post for another day.

Photo taken in Goblin Valley in August of 2008.

*Tis true!*

*A thousand years*

*Linger Longer*

Preface~

It's 6 am and I had been up all night. I was worn down both body and spirit. I lay in my bed trying to sleep and wondering why on earth Heavenly Father still wanted me here. My hands are tied in every situation that I'm in. I can truly say that I have no control over anything at this point. My life is ALL in HIS hands. I don't know what more I can do or offer to bring about the most important and essential things that are needed for survival. I feel helpless. With these thoughts drowning me, into my mind I envision seeing Scrooge (me) sitting on the swing chair that is on the front porch of my old house in Orem, Utah. (I would often sit there to have some meditating and relaxing time as I looked up at an awe-inspiring view of the Rocky Mountains.) So there I am, rocking in the chair and suddenly an Eagle begins to speak to me. *Puzzled face* I sit up in my bed and all these words are forming and I'm really in no mood to write! But I do so. These are the words that unfolded...these are the words that were heaven sent from an old wise Eagle.

*LINGER LONGER*

Linger longer are the words I hear
as I rock back and forth on the front porch chair.
I see an Eagle fly in the Icy air
He flys with grace and with a little flair.
He soars to the left and makes a sharp turn,
"oh my dear girl...I know you must yearn."

Wait.

Did that bird just speak to me?
I'm now questioning my sanity.
He ceases his flight and drifts ever near
and with the tilt of his head these words he shares,

"There are things you need to hear!"

I fold my hands and lend my ear
I open my heart and sit at the edge of my chair.

"I am an eagle with an eagles eye! I've seen how you've been tried and tried! The crows that often circle your head, their time is up and they'll soon be dead.
The new road that I've seen from above
Is more beautiful and lovely then a morning dove!
Linger longer in this mortal sphere
Your work is simply not finished here.
It's time to breath the freshest air
It's time to heal from satans glare.
Trust an old bird, for I'm the wisest
kind! Don't give me that look, your sanity's fine.
I sail over mountains and glorious lakes! My god given wings are truly great.
I rest on peaks on a sleepy day, I watch over children here and far away. My life is truly a wondrous one, but if I was human it would be more fun.
So linger longer and believe on my word, rise to your feet, do not accept defeat.
Linger longer...
Linger longer...
Linger longer."

Those are the final words I hear
Then off he flew with Rudolph the red nosed reindeer.

*wink*

Written by Kim Curtis (That would be me ;)
December 13th 2011
~Painting by Michael Pape

*Flecks of Gold*

Our small acts of love, compassion, kindness, and service will eventually lead us to something that is so beautiful! The accumulation of GREAT THINGS. It has been difficult for me to be patient as I have spent my 37 years collecting only flecks of gold and often wondering when they would turn into something more solid. Wondering if the seeds I may have planted into the hearts of others would ever grow into fruition. We learn in The Book of Mormon,


“Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.

Alma 37:6

Also, Doctrine and Covenants 123:13-17 says,

13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

16 You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm, by being kept workways with the wind and the waves.

17 Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

*The boy on the Moon*

Me and my friends use to have "Vege nights", where we would; grab blankets and pillows, have lot's of treats, turn out the lights, turn on mellow tunes, and talk about life and the Universe. It was AWESOME! Some of the subjects that got brought up were hilarious and others deeply profound. I miss those nights. Sometimes it was at one of our houses and other times it was in a park up the canyon. You should try it sometime...good stuff! :) This is the kind of music we would play...anything that was soothing, mellow, and just kool. Those kinds of songs that could take your mind and heart to another place. Most of the music we chose back then was "new age" stuff.

*Men's hearts are failing them*

I can't say enough how much I needed this earlier this week, but because of pride and pain in my heart, I ignored it. Then, while talking with my little sister, she told me that Henley, age 5 watches these Mormon messages before school each day. She said;

"Tears pour down her face because she feels the spirit so strong." When I heard that, I couldn't stop my own tears. This little precious girl listening to our prophet and apostles and feeling the truth of what is being shared. I realized that I too must listen more, read more, and love and treasure these beautiful words of wisdom. I must not let my own heart fail me. I must try harder to not be afraid and have an eternal perspective. I must have the faith and heart of a little child...to know that I need not fear.
"Men's hearts are failing them because they have forgotten their identity and their purpose."

We love our precious, Henley and her beautiful spirit.

*Sticks & Stones*

"Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts."

This is such a powerful and yet painful photo to look at. I have such a deep love for children. Remembering my own childhood, I know the power of words. There were words that blessed my life and words that broke my soul. They created how I felt about myself and life. Some of them never leave my mind.

Bless your children, don't break them down. They really are our future. As the Savior so beautifully said;

"Behold your little ones"

I believe he was saying, LOOK at these precious souls! It is an honor for you to have them placed in your care.

*Truest of words!*

Some people will never get it...and that makes me sad.

*Wishin' for you*

It's been about 15 years since I first heard this song and I can still feel how I felt at that moment it played. Amazing how music can do that! You don't need a time machine, just your music.

*Where the streets have no name*