Songs from Les Miserables, and Gospel Principles

My favourite book, other than the scriptures, is Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo. This book inspires me to do better, to help others, and become more Christ-like. So, as it around 1400 pages long and too large to read through and through every day, I listen to the musical fairly often. Some songs remind me of gospel principles, and here they are:
1. Stars, sung by Javert, about Jean Valjean.
This one illustrates forgiveness by showing the exact opposite. It is about how when somebody sins one time, they are lost. There is no forgiveness.
This makes me so, so thankful for the Atonement, that I can be forgiven for the sins that I commit.
(This is a recording of Russell Crowe singing it in the new movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwp_WOS4nKM)
2. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, sung my Marius, about the Friends of the ABC, who are all dead.
This song reminds me of how I used to think that death was the end of all things. I now know that death is not the end of life, but simply the end of mortal life.
 (This is a recording of Nick Jonas singing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01c1nSML9Mc)
3. On My Own, sung by Eponine, about Marius.
This reminds me of how we are never alone. Sometimes, it is easy to feel that way, but we are truly not alone.
(This is a recording of Samantha Barks singing it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQnJ4mIfT0c)
4. Bring Him Home, sung by Jean Valjean, about Marius.
This song really is an example of faith, as Jean Valjean always is after his redemption. This is Jean Valjean praying that God will save Marius, and bring him home to live happily. Life comes through faith.
(This is a recording of Hugh Jackman singing it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikpw6c2-Ti8)


Also, just because this is a new song and I love it so very much, here is Suddenly, sung by Hugh Jackman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvi-ylOHRP8

Put Your Dreams Away

A little while ago, I was listening to Put Your Dreams Away, sung by Frank Sinatra.
The lyrics are, 
"Put your dreams away for another day
And I will take their place in your heart.
Wishing on a star never got you far
And so it's time to make a new start.

When your dreams at night
Fade before you,
Then I'll have the right
To adore you.

Let your kiss confess this is happiness, darling,
And put all your dreams away."
(The punctuation might not be accurate, as I was just judging by what seemed to make sense.)
I enjoy this song, mostly because I enjoy almost everything sung by Frank Sinatra, but I don't believe this expresses the true meaning of love. Love should build up dreams, instead of replacing them. When you love somebody, you want to help make them happy, and to help accomplish their goals.

Here is a link to Frank Sinatra singing this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBPLs9ns-q4   
It is absolutely beautiful.

Happy Birthday!

Last Friday was Graceful Ponderings' first birthday. It's been really interesting to go and look back at my first posts, and then look at my latest posts, because I can see a definite change in my writing.
In celebration, I though I'd make a list of a few things which you should probably know about this blog:
1. I use an "ou" instead of just an "o" in words such as favour, colour, and honour. I think it is more elegant, and I like it better.
2. I will probably start out too many posts with things about songs I was listening to, because I listen to music a lot, and what I surround myself with is what I think about.
3. I really, really enjoy reading comments from all of you.