There is a story I recently read from a children's book, about a leader of a Tribe named “Setting Sun” who lived long ago and raised seven courageous, good sons, who had all sadly died young in battle. It was almost time for the Chief to choose a new man to reign in his stead, so he called upon the young men in the village to compete in several contests. Through doing so, Setting Sun believed the one to take his place would be revealed. The boys eagerly showed promise and capabilities in several contests, including fishing, hunting, running, shooting the surest arrow, and enduring the longest in a war dance. Through these contests other qualities would also be revealed such as honesty, goodness, and wisdom. One youth stood out among the rest throughout these contests, his name, “Dawn Boy.” Dawn boy was the first to hunt, endured the longest, ran the fastest. Everything seemed to be easy for him. Yet Setting Sun decided he must find one more task that he knew would challenge Dawn Boy. The final task was a quest to create a belt of beads. The boys would learn the art of beading and the winner would be the one who made the most beautiful creation.
All the boys worked diligently. Some progressed rapidly, some slowly. Dawn Boy took a long time, this was not something he felt he excelled in. His mother watched him eagerly from afar, but could not help him. Dawn Boy tried multiple times to create a beautiful bead belt, but each time felt it was not good enough. Finally Dawn boy went deep into the woods till he found a winding river. Believing himself to be alone, he stretched his arms out in prayer, He asked the Great Spirit to help him fashion a beautiful design in a timely manner. And asked humbly that he might become the new Chief, and to learn to be good and wise as the one before.
Unbeknownst to Dawn Boy ,Setting Sun had followed him all the way to the river and watched him, wanting to know how he would respond to this trial before him.
Soon after Dawn Boy set to work. Again, he felt thwarted. But then a curious thing happened. He noticed a caterpillar crawling up a small twig laying near Dawn' Boys foot. Dawn boy went to pick up the twig so as not to step on it. He raised the stick and saw that its back had an intricate, beautiful design, then joyfully realized this was an answer from the Great Spirit. Dawn Boy studied the design and came to know the repeated pattern on the worms back. He chose the same colors and sitting close to the caterpillar, worked for hours on the new design.
It was time to present the belts to Setting Sun, and for the Chief to announce who would take his place. Dawn Boy placed his belt near the others. Many made exclamations of wonder and admiration. But Setting Sun did not acknowledge this. He raised his hand and shared that he had chosen Dawn Boy to take his place. He acknowledged Dawn Boy had proved himself to be fast, strong and sure in his actions. He had created an object of beauty.. But this was not what made him choose Dawn Boy. Setting Sun chose Dawn Boy because of his great Faith. Faith in the goodness, and the helpfulness of the Great Spirit. Because of this Faith, Setting Sun knew that when times got difficult for Dawn Boy, and their people were in trouble, he would appeal for help and guidance, through the Great Spirit. (story from Thelma Harrison, Book: A Story to Tell)
This story to me is very meaningful. One of the things that stands out to me is the way Dawn Boy kept his eyes wide open to curiosity within the natural world and his heart and spirit open to signs and wonders sent from above. I also love the integrity and humility of Setting Sun and Dawn Boy. Both of them had amazing leadership qualities and talents. Both had great confidence. Yet they acknowledged their mortal existence has limitations. They called upon a Supreme Being who they felt could make them rise higher and be greater than they could on their own.
Stories like these bring comfort and perspective to me as I consider the trials, turbulence we all face in this life. The christian religion/faith practices I'm deeply involved in, and scriptures I'm seeking to live by gives me strength. Besides the ups and downs of every day life, there are incredible challenges and adversity faced by many on a daily basis. Then another layer of internal stress descends upon us as events in our communities and world which test our faith and hope and ability to perceive truth.
Perhaps you wonder what these thoughts have to do with my musical world. The truth is my spiritual journey is so inseperably connected. Much of the songs I've created are about finding joy and holiness within the simple gifts in life that come from God. (Look Up) Creating uplifting music or even sometimes sad music is soothing and I believe therapeutic.
I've written songs about the ups and downs within family life. ("We're a Family," and “From God's Hands to Mine”) Being a mother, wife is perhaps the greatest, most “soul-stretching” opportunity living on earth I've experienced.
“I'm Free” and “Butterfly” both capture the wonder and miracle of having a human body with freedom, choice to reach high for our dreams, passions, interests and talents. To be a “creator” in this world in my perspective is an incredible gift from OUR Creator -for ourselves and for blessing those around us. Our fast changing world, including the increasing use of AI has baffled and at times concerned me, in part due to wondering if the very act of creating for human beings will be stifled or inhibited more and more over time. But I also feel we continually have choices in how to manage our ability to continue to CREATE.
As a performer, teacher I think quite seriously of my role in the community and world. My goals and ideals have changed and evolved over time and it seems to me that the more I am creating and sharing music which inspires, uplifts and brings people Heavenward, the more deeply satisfying it will be. I love to make friends through in-person performing and teaching events. I love to see a child's face light up upon discovery in creating something new, I love to help other musician friends grow in confidence as they are seeking to also improve in their musicianship and skills.
On a personal note, I share a short video reflecting a few experiences that happened in August 2025. It emphasizes how music brings unity to my family members and friends. And shows simple acts of living and spending time with others which foster love and true satisfaction.
Another reality of life that I reflect on at times is how I will choose to continue to age. I am not a young women in my “prime” anymore. Although I'm grateful I can still run, play sports, dance and move a little while performing, advancing age is a reality that hits most of us sooner or later. I see many examples of seasoned musicians who still continue to uplift others through sharing music into their 40's, 50's, 60's and beyond, and I hope to continue to do this in various ways and settings. I've been on the earth almost 50 years now, and sometimes that is quite mind-boggling to me. Yet there are perks that come with aging, including wisdom and foresight and.. for some of us, Grandparent-hood, which i am enjoying immensely for the whole 1-year that I have been a Grandma so far. It seems the older I get, the more richness grows in my life. The richness of life experience, spiritual insights and discovery.
On social media I see so many women trying to gain approval and attention through showing physical beauty, including women musicians. The reality is, many of these women receive thousands and millions of views this way. I have not been exempt from being effected by these “norms.” Yet I choose to try and avoid this approach, for a have a deep belief that true, lasting beauty comes from inward. This beauty comes from the confidence and faith of believing in one's divinity as God's child. When one discovers their own divinity and worth and the love that surrounds them, and allows it to penetrate their being, it SHOWS. I believe people who KNOW this love emanate and shine in life the brightest.
In conclusion, I share a writing which came to me after pondering on what true love is and how we can continue to seek for it and absorb it in our lives. Here I share the text, or for those who prefer, the spoken version, with some peaceful, meditative piano music I developed a few years ago.
*special note: Some know this source of truth as “Allah” Great Spirit, Holy Spirit, the Messiah, etc..I feel in these musings although I use the language I do, we all were created from the same loving Being.
To Be Loved
I have felt golden moments of divine love penetrate into my deeper,divine self.
This is the Light and Love of our Heavenly Parents and their Son, Jesus Christ.
It is deeper and more abiding than romantic love, sibling love, best friend love, even mother's love.
It is perfect. Unconditional. It exists, it can be accessed, felt. It is real.
We are divine beings living in a mortal body. We develop layers of misconceptions over time because of our human experience that tell us we must have a “perfect” body, we must have greater than average talents, we must have an updated home or a fancy car..
But what is real? The quest for rising above and beyond is a God given quality. Yet…
In the long run the fruits of those labors will not be long lasting IF we are on a quest for glory, for proving oneself to others, or for monetary gain only benefitting one self.
In our quest to rise above do we reach for the Heavens and act as a vessel of God's love and light, flowing through us? Do we live for HIS Glory?
If we are only living for ourselves how can we find lasting happiness and joy?
God's love surrounds us. He watches, lovingly awaits for us to accept and absorb and even..
REFLECT HIS LIGHT.
Take it in.. Then shine outward His Light to the lives surrounding us. Animals, plants, gifts of the land.. other people including those with labels given by others; homeless, supermodel, politician, pastor, LGBTQ, basketball star, mentally ill, handicapped. God gave us His only Begotten Son to die for us and one day redeem us from sin , heartaches and weaknesses. Our Saviors grace is accessible to all. Could this be the greatest act of love ever shown upon the Earth?
If you are feeling lost, and far from the source of all Truth…
Consider if your thinking and actions are moving you farther away from the One who knows and loves you best?
The Light and Love of Heavenly Father and Mother is always there. But to access Their power we must CHOOSE to search for it, willingly ACCEPT into our hearts, and live the best we can according to those TRUTHS we know.
“We are great and powerful spiritual beings having a human experience.” - Danion Brinkley
There is one more quote I wish to share from Ezra Taft Benson who was the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when I was a teenager. I often don't perceive the Light that surrounds me, and feel I have so much to learn and develop spiritually still. Yet I do find comfort and hope through these words.
“Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He can deepen their joys, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, and pour out peace.”
Imagine if leaders of nations and all people lived with this belief: What would it be like to live in the world? One day, is it possible?
Dear readers, thank you for taking the time to read these “musings." My hope is that each of you find something that resonates with your spirit, your inner core that will strengthen you in your trials. Perhaps there is a thought you can incorporate in your daily meditations, or if another uplifting idea comes to your mind upon reading this., let it be a new part of your thinking and outlook . May we allow ourselves to FORGIVE and be open to LOVE. May God bless each of you as you continue to walk your paths of personal learning and spiritual discovery.
Peace and Hope,
Anna Watkins Anawalt