I remember a special musical number in a sacrament meeting when I was a teenager that touched my soul and changed me. The combination of inspired lyrics and music awakened me to a part of my testimony I didn't know I had. It deepened my understanding of my Savior's love and my desire to be like Him. This beautiful song was "His Hands," written by Kenneth Cope.

Contrast that positive experience with this one. A while ago I went to a presentation on how to be a better songwriter. The songwriter who presented has written some huge hits that are great songs we often hear on the radio. The example song given for this songwriting seminar was one I had never heard before. It completely surprised me. As the song was shared, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. It was a song that tore down instead of lifting. Though I'd paid for the seminar, I got up and left early. That was not the kind of song I wanted to listen to, nor was it the kind of song I wanted to learn to write.

After leaving, I had a strong impression to work hard to create music that lifts. I felt to encourage other artists to do the same. There is a stark contrast between art that is centered on Jesus Christ and art that is centered in self. What differences do you notice in your life between the two?

While brainstorming what I wanted to share with you in this week's blog, I noticed a blue pamphlet that had fallen off of my bookshelf. It was K. Newell Dayley's BYU Devotional Address, "Centering the Arts in Christ" given March 6, 2001. Reading this incredible address left me pondering on how art centered in Christ has changed my life. Art centered in Christ has strengthened my testimony and has helped me understand my divine identity. It has awakened in me a passion and a desire to create art that does the same for others.

Each of us has a great responsibility as we create. Art centered in Christ has the power to awaken, inspire and fill. Art centered in anything else also has the power to destroy and empty.

Art can fulfill a spiritual need that we as human beings have. Different people respond in different ways to various types of art. Why do artists continue to create when there is already so much art out there? I believe it is because there is a hunger for more art centered in Christ.

In John 6:35 Jesus said, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." Art centered in Christ satisfies us and fills us with joy.

Centering art in Christ doesn't mean that paintings should only depict Christ and music and literature should only be about Christ. It means that art should be full of truth. Art should be filled with good things that point to Christ.

I believe everyone creates some type of art. Just the way you live is an art, the way you treat people, the subjects of conversation you choose, the way you choose to dress, and so on. Art is not just music, paintings, or literature. Dayley said, "The arts embody a unique learning process that awakens the very core of one's being to life's meaning and beauty." So whatever art is for us, it awakens our soul to live with greater meaning.

Dallin H. Oaks said, "Remember, our Savior, Jesus Christ, always builds us up and never tears us down. We should apply the power of that example in the ways we use our time, including our recreation and diversions. Consider the themes of the books, magazines, movies, television, and music we make popular by our patronage" (Dallin H. Oaks, "Powerful Ideas," Ensign, November 1995, 26-27).

Let us consider these things today. Let the art you create and that you support point to Christ. Let it build people up. Let art be used for what Heavenly Father, who is the greatest artist in every way, created and intended it for.

Nicole Sheahan is a singer/songwriter who won second place in the first Mormon Times Showcase contest. She is currently studying media music at Brigham Young University. She welcomes your comments at nicolesheahan9@gmail.com