A Musical Fireside... by Bree!

So I've been playing the guitar for 14+ years.  I've played the piano for 25+ years (wow that makes me feel really old).  I've always enjoyed singing.  And I've been writing my own songs for 16+ years.  Quite the musical history in my simple little life, and it is a huge part of me.

But never in my past have I initiated or been asked to do any sort of "musical fireside."  I have certainly performed in various places and settings, and I have done the typical "play and sing around the campfire" kind of ditty.  But my good friend, Kathy Randall (who is the Young Women president in her West Jordan ward) has asked me to come be the "special guest" at their combined YW activity this week.  She wants me to use my songs to teach the girls about the gospel, feeling the Spirit, understanding trials, overcoming obstacles, dealing with relationship struggles, finding a testimony, and enjoying family and friends.  I guess my songs cover a wide variety of topics-- I dunno.  But she believes in me and wants me to share whatever I can bring to the girls in this ward.  I have only met a few of them (Kathy's daughters) so it will be interesting to see what kind of a group I'll have that evening.  And if these girls will even be receptive to my personality and music.

Hopefully it won't be the whole "crickets chirping" awkward moments.  Hopefully I will be natural and comfortable and be inspired to share certain experiences I've had that have taught me life-changing lessons.

I have taken opportunities at my job to share my songs with the teens I work with.  But it will be so much better to be able to share my music in a church setting, where I can bear my testimony and talk about spiritual things.  Granted, not all of my songs are "churchy" and I have some pretty upbeat, happy-go-lucky whatever songs... but I think they will be fitting for a YW activity and something to uplift the girls.

I'm really excited about this opportunity.  I'm excited to feel the power of music and hopefully influence these girls' lives in some way.  And this experience will bless mine in return.  I have tons of homework.  I have so much on my plate.  But I can't pass up an invitation like this!  Who knows... if it goes well, maybe I'll try to do this more often with other groups of young women.  Wish me luck! :)   *Thank you Kathy*