Play It From Your Heart

     Jimi Hendrix is easily one of he greatest guitarists that has ever lived. In his time, he blew people away with his amazing abilities and a unique style that nobody else knew existed before. He was incredible, and most people are shocked when they find out that he didn't read music.
    For musicians, the actual sheet music is the basis of what you hear when the real music starts to come. Like the written script to a play. Its a pretty vital part. And you'd think it would be absolutely necessary especially in Hendrix's case being the musician he was. Sometimes thats not the case. 
    We have all heard music played that is good but just doesn't speak to us. Often times the case is that musicians get so focused on the written ink, than the music itself. It takes away from what its all about.
      True music comes from the heart. Thats exactly how Hendrix played and you can tell when you listen to his music. It was real, it was distinct.  You knew you heard one of his songs when it came on the radio and there was no mistaking it. He didn't spend so much time focused on the written music that it took away from what it really meant. It came to life.
     Sometimes in life we focus too much on the "checklist" style of living. We get so caught up in making sure all the boxes are checked off with being perfect, fitting in with the normal society, being the "tailor made" saint, or even having material possessions for status. Much like being too focused on the sheet music instead of the actual music. In this case, focusing on the textbook human being rather than living and enjoying life. We sometimes even put more emphasis on being the "textbook" person rather than being a real human being!  When we do this we forget what its all really about!
    We learn in the second book of Nephi, chapter two that "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."  -Verse 25.

    Were not just here in this life to get a body, choose the right, and go home. That might be the bare naked version of it, but theres more too it. Were here to have joy in our journey! We can fulfill the purpose in this life and still enjoy it. It's what were supposed to do! Thats what life's about.
    We can get stressed out over getting the boxes checked, and being exactly as perfect as it is written in the music. Thats why it is important to love life and live it from your heart. Thats where the true happiness is. We know living the gospel isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it makes it a whole lot easier to love the journey. So make the best of it and play it from your heart!

Hearing Vs. Listening. Yes Theres A Difference !

      As missionaries we are taught of the importance of listening during lessons and discussions. Not just following what the people we are teaching are saying but really listening. "Listening is key" I heard that so many times in the MTC and I still do now out in the field. Whenever I would hear that I thought to myself: "Wow, ya think ?" Its obvious thats it is important to listen ! But sometimes we don't always allow ourselves to hear what we need to hear. I certainly am guilty of this.

      My Mom used to tell me that I had selective hearing. Some things I would totally understand and it would be crystal clear but then others would go right through my head, mainly because I would let them. Are we all guilty of this sometimes?

     

        I learned fast of the importance of listening. Not just hearing things but really listening and understanding. The more I listen during lessons and discussions, the more I feel the spirit, the more I understand, and the more I know what to say.
      I think it is said very well by one of the world's greatest musicians:

                                                "Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens."
                                                             -Jimi Hendrix

      I stand by this statement 100%. I hope we can all strive to listen rather than just hear. The Holy Ghost speaks to us by a still small voice. All of us, everyday, are faced with choices and challenges. Our Heavenly Father is always trying to help us and show us things but how much will we really hear if we are just hearing and not listening ?

       I testify that there is wisdom in listening. As we listen and obey the promptings of the Holy Ghost we will be blessed and be able to recognize more fully when our Heavenly Father is trying to speak to us. I pray we can all listen and recognize when he does.