Lord, Dismiss (the year) with Thy Blessing

MP3 - Lord, dismiss (the year) with Thy Blessing
PDF - Lord, Dismiss (the year) with Thy Blessing

I was reminiscing about the year that is almost over and reflecting on my blessings. I said, "Lord, dismiss this year with Thy Blessing", and as I did so, the hymn tune #163 came to mind. As I was playing it, I heard another familiar end of year music piece going through my mind and thought it would make a nice counter-melody. I think it really does. I hope you had a wonderful year and are looking forward to a new year with new Blessings to be had.

Christmas Star

MP3 - Christmas Star
PDF - Christmas Star

My wife came home from her Relief Society Christmas dinner with this poem in hand. I saw that it was written by anonymous, and after doing a search, I found it to be indeed anonymous. I know it had to have a tune to go with it, so tonight I set down and started playing around. This tune formulated. It would be suitable for a unison choir - either Young Men/Women or adults. I hope you like it.

A diamond shines no brighter than that lovely Christmas star.
It shines in all it's brilliance; it's seen from near and far.

Chorus

A symbol of the Christ child as He lay upon the hay,
It tells to ll the waiting world a King was born that day.

Chorus

Give us strength and hope and courage to do our best by far.
And never falter in our faith as we watch that Christmas star.

Chorus
O Bethlehem Star keep shining.
Give us faith and hope and love.
Keep our thoughts forever turning
to the Savior up above.

Who's on the Lord's Side - Organ,Vocals

MP3 - Who's on the Lord's Side
Score PDF - Who's on the Lord's Side
Vocals PDF - Who's on the Lord's Side
Organ - PDF - Who's on the Lord's Side

This is another arrangement of "Who's on the Lord's Side". It is still for TTBB, but instead of a Capella like the other one, this has organ support, and simplifies the men's part. Thanks to Monte Fullmer for helping greatly with the organ transcription. I hope you enjoy it.

O Child of Mary's Tender Care

MP3 - O Child of Mary's Tender Care
PDF - O Child of Mary's Tender Care

I was looking over some public domain Christmas lyrics and this one in particular caught my eye. The words speak of the infant Christ Child and two things stuck out in my mind. First, the illumined eyes. I love that thought. And it is prophetic because His eyes will be illumined in the last days and on judgement day. The second thing that somehow caught caught my attention was that He is the balm for every sorrow that there is. It is comforting to me that through His atonement, He truly is our balm.

I later found out while finalizing this piece that a dear friend who found out weeks ago that he had inoperable cancer passed today. I am grateful that a loving Father in Heaven heard prayers and took Art home with little pain. He truly is a merciful God!
I hope you enjoy this latest offering for Christmas.

O Child of Mary's tender care!
O little Child so pure and fair!
Cradled within the manger hay
on that divine first Christmas day!
The hopes of every age and race
are centered in Thy radiant face!

O Child whose glory fills the earth!
O little Child of lowly birth!
The shepherds guided from afar,
stood worshipping beneath the star,
and wise men fell on bended knee
and homage offered unto Thee!

O Child of whom the angels sing!
O little Child, our infant King!
What balm for every sorrow lies
within those clear illumined eyes!
O precious gift to mortals given
and win us heritage in heaven!

Lamb of God in Manger Lay

MP3 - Lamb of God in Manger Lay
PDF - Lamb of God in Manger Lay

I came up with the tune in five minutes, and then put out a "plea" on social media. Kathy Blanco responded with some lyrics she just came up up with this morning. It was a beautiful match. I hope you enjoy this song.

Lamb of God in manger lay. 
Golden threads of nature's hay. 
Humbled low for men to rise. 
He has come from Heaven's skies. 

"Here Am I", said He with haste 
For mankind to save with grace. 
"Come thou near, and be at peace. 
Let despair from death now cease". 

Jesus came so we may live. 
Jesus came so we can give. 
Glorious would be that sight 
On that holy Christmas night. 

Earth and sky sing now with praise 
On this distant Christmas day. 
Lip to horn, and stick to drum,
Make it known that Christ is come.

Thanksgiving

MP3 - Thanksgiving
PDF - Thanksgiving

These words came to me in a bout of insomnia on Thanksgiving eve. I think they speak of Thanksgiving and everything that we have and to whom we oew our thanks. The music came to me last night and I think pairs well with the words. I hope you enjoy it.

The mountains high, the valleys low.
The sky so blue, the streams that flow.
The flow'rs that bloom and cooing dove.
Are evidence of thy great love.

The air we breathe, the heart that beats.
The tiny child and elderly,
Are giv'n for us through thy great plan,
To walk this earth as mortal man.

The food we eat. the harvest stored,
Reminds us of thy goodness, Lord
With fam'ly 'round, our heads are bowed,
To thank thee for all blessings found.

With Thanksgiving, we recognize,
Thy hand in all thy children's lives.
For everything which thou didst make,
We now enjoy and doth partake.

Fantasia on a Christmas Carol

MP3 - Fantasia on a Christmas Carol
PDF - Fantasia on a Christmas Carol

This is the old French Carol, "Le sommeil de L'enfant-Jésus" (The Sleep of the Infant Jesus) arranged for piano solo. I hope you enjoy it.

At Peace With Myself

MP3 - At Peace With Myself
PDF - At Peace With Myself

I wrote this piano piece a long time ago when things just weren't going good in my life. Music has always been an outlet for me, and this gave me peace to carry on. Those trials are long gone, but the experience lingers on. I hope it brings you peace. Enjoy it. 

Sorry about the choppy audio. Something is going on strange and haven't had a chance to figure it out, but you can get the idea of the piece.

Who's on the Lord's Side?

PDF: Who's on the Lord's Side?

MP3: Who's on the Lord's Side?

There aren't too many arrangements our there of "Who's on the Lord's Side?", and I think the words merit a nice men's A Capella piece. The intent is to start of very quiet, like an army in the far distance chanting. The higher voices call out like trumpets in the distance. As they get closer, the volume increases, and then they fade out as they go away again until a whisper of "Who?" I hope you like it.

Little Lamb

MP3 - Little Lamb
PDF - Little Lamb

I wanted to write a Christmas hymn that not only expresses the Savior's birth, but also tells of our divine truths - that it was, and is all part of Heavenly Father's plan. This could be sung in solos, sections, a Capella, and even a descant at the end. If you want the descant, let me know and I will be happy to do so. In the Christmas season approaching, may we all pause and stop to reflect on the little lamb born for all of us.

1. Little lamb in manger stall, 
ox and sheep in silence awed. 
We behold his tender face, 
Jesus, Savior of the human race. 

2. Little lamb, thy birth foretold 
from thy servants young and old. 
Prophesied from ages past 
now fulfilled our Savior comes at last. 

3. Little lamb, oh blessed One! 
Thou art God's begotten Son. 
Born to Mary, virgin mild. 
God incarnate and born mortal child. 

4. Little lamb, angels are here
and to shepherds they appear.
Telling them of joys and grace. 
Go to Bethlehem and go with haste. 

5. Little lamb, fulfill the plan 
back with Father it began 
when we heard these words divine: 
"Send me and the glory all be Thine!" 

6. Little lamb, our joy, our all! 
May our hearts receive the call. 
Loud hosannas, let us sing 
to our Lord, and lamb; Eternal King! 

See, Amid the Winter's Snow

MP3 - See, Amid the Winter's Snow
PDF - See, Amid the Winter's Snow

I've always loved this Christmas carol and wanted to do something with it. I decided on an a Capella piece that starts out with good old SATB, but then breaks out into TTBB and SSAA, joins back together and ends with SSAATTBB. The original had more verses, but I thought that that was too many, so I chopped them down.

The lyrics, while not LDS, speak very much of LDS truths and could be sung by a Ward Choir. I hope you enjoy it. Please leave feedback.

I'll Walk Today As Jesus Walked

PDF - I'll Walk Today As Jesus Walked
MP3 - I'll Walk Today As Jesus Walked

When I heard our Prophet say the words in the recent General Conference, "...walking where Jesus walked is less important than walking as He walked", I KNEW I had to write a Primary song emulating that thought. Once again, I turned to my friend and fellow MoTab member, Michael Young for the words. I think his words are perfect. I love to hear Primary children sing, and when they sing simple truths, I believe Heaven smiles upon them. I hope that it brings a smile and maybe even a tear as you read this song. I know it has impacted me.

I'll walk today as Jesus walked. 
I'll help someone I see in need. 
I'll comfort someone who is sad, one of His lambs that I can feed. I'll walk today as Jesus Walked. I'll speak kind words the whole day through. 

Just like the prophets tell us all to do. I'll walk today as Jesus walked. The Holy Ghost will help me know how I can share my little light,so that my faith can help me grow. I'll walk today as Jesus walked. And I know He will walk with me, and help me ev'ry day to walk as He.

Let Me Cry

MP3 - Let Me Cry
PDF - Let Me Cry

Once again, I found a beautiful poem by my Grandmother. It was in a time where she recently lost a dear loved one. She used poetry to share her life, and this is but a small part. Though I've never seen her cry, I know she does, and so must we. I hope I honor her by this arranging of her beautiful, thoughtful poem.

Note: I made some editorial changes to the poem to make it fit to the tune, but the intent is left.

If you see me sitting where no one else is with me there, 
and you see tears upon my cheek, please don't think you have to speak 
Just let me cry. 

All of us must cry sometime. It's not so strange; it's no crime. 
Life has its joys and many trials, faces can't show endless smiles 
as time goes by. 

Sometimes a beautiful surprise will bring teardrops to my eyes, 
and I laugh through the tears that fall, not minding being seen at all. 
But why should I? 

In my life tears play quite a role; always seem to cleanse my soul, 
especially if my sorrowing heart will be the reason for tears to start. 
And I must cry. 

If I need comfort I'll go where I can seek my Lord in prayer. 
I know He's always standing by, and yes He knows I, too must cry, 
and the reason why. 

Shepherd, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep

MP3 -Shepherd, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep
PDF - Shepherd, Shake Off Your Drowsy Sleep

An old Christmas hymn that I've always loved. I re-arranged it a bit to make it more interesting for choir members. I hope you enjoy it.

1. Shepherd, shake off your drowsy sleep! 
Rise and leave your beloved sheep! Angels from heav'n around are singing, Tidings of great joy are bringing. Shepherd, the chorus come and swell! Sing Noel! O sing Noel! 

2. See how the flowr's all burst anew, Thinking snow is summer dew;See how the stars afresh are glowing All their brightest beams bestowing, Shepherd, the chorus come and swell! Sing Noel! O sing Noel! 

3. Shepherd, then up and quick away! Seek the babe ere break of day. He is the hope of ev'ry nation,All in Him shall find salvation. Shepherd, the chorus come and swell! Sing Noel! O sing Noel! 

O come O Come Emmanuel

MP3 - O Come O Come Emmanuel
PDF - O Come O Come Emmanuel

 I originally arranged this for a friend a couple years ago, but sadly they never performed it, so I revamped it a little. It is scored for Soprano, Alto, Piano and Cello. The Soprano range goes up to a high A, an the Alto part goes in the basement. :) I tried to transpose to make the voices a bit better, but couldn't find anything that suited me. Of course the voices could be played by any C-instrument and make a nice trio. The arrangement is a combination of O Come O Come Emmanuel and Lully Lullay (Coventry Carol) intertwined. I think it goes well together. I hope you enjoy it and please leave comments. :)

God's Infinite, Eternal Power

MP3 - God's Infinite, Eternal Power
PDF - God's Infinite, Eternal Power

As I have been mentally and spiritually preparing for General Conference, I have been reading some previous Conference talks. One that I read impressed me so much that I know I had to do a hymn composition. Once again, I turned to my wonderful lyricist, Michael Young, and gave him my vision. Here are the lyrics:

1. The vessel is not greater than the oil that lies within it.
    The fire is so much brighter than the spark that does begin it.
    The sunlight does not come from him who draws back the dark curtain,
    nor does the moon shine on its own but shows the sun for certain.

Chorus
    God's infinite, eternal power does sustain us every hour.

2. God's servants fill their lamps anew through His eternal graces.
    The Spirit's fire is kindled anew where the smile of His face is.
    The sunlight they allow to shine to all those now distressing.
    The greater light reflecting to all those who seek God's blessing.

Chorus
    God's infinite, eternal power does sustain us every hour.

3. Then worthy vessels we must be and servants pure and ready.
    And humble, prayerful we must be on rolling waves or steady.
    So when God calls we too may rise, accept His heavenly power
    for when the bridegroom comes again, we know not when the hour.

Chorus
    God's infinite, eternal power does sustain us every hour.


I hope you enjoy this, and please leave feedback. Thanks!

Share Goodness

MP3 - Share Goodness
PDF - Share Goodness

I listened to Elder Bednar's wonderful talk this week regarding sharing the gospel through social media. The hashtag #sharegoodness was suggested to promote unity. I thought that his talk has a wonderful message and this tune popped into my head. Thanks to my fellow MoTab Choir member, Michael Young, I told him of my vision and he provided the great lyrics.

You can read, or see Elder Bednar's talk here.

Share God's goodness with your neighbor, share His gifts with gratitude.
Turn your gentle thoughts to actions, give a cheerful attitude.
When dark thoughts depress your mind, drive them out with service kind.
Share God's goodness with your neighbor, share His gifts with gratitude.

Share with those who need the gospel, share and plant its tender seeds.
Give to all the living water, quench the thirsty soul who needs
Faith's full flower soon will bud, as these drops become a flood!
Share with those who need the gospel, share and plant its tender seeds.

Share when prompted by the Spirit, share with wisdom and control.
Working through you, God our Father, seeks to heal, to bless, console.
The Spirit knows just what to say to each one in his own way.
Share when prompted by the Spirit, share with wisdom and control.

Share your light and do not falter. Share with all, do not delay.
Soon there comes a night of darkness, work while it is called "today".
Then with many you'll find rest in our Father's kingdom blessed.
Share your light and do not falter. Share with all, do not delay.

I Hear the Spirit

MP3 - I Hear the Spirit
PDF - I Hear the Spirit

 I originally had the tune and most of the first verse. Since I am not a lyricist, I sent the song out on my social media networks for their ideas and input. I had a wide variety of suggestions; for correcting tune to many different lyrics. yet, none of the lyrics expressed what I really wanted this song to portray; that we all can hear, feel, and know the Spirit. These are divine truths, yet are simple enough for a child to understand. 

So, after some prayerful moments, I felt inspired to go this way with the song. I did make some suggested arranging ideas, and some fixes for the lyrics I did have. Thanks to everyone who helped out on this. I hope you will enjoy and feel the Spirit. If you decide to have your Primary children do this one, please make a recording of it so I can hear it. Thanks! :)

1. I hear the Spirit when I say my prayers. 
    He whispers truth from my Father, who cares. 
    I am so glad that I feel Him, He's near. 
    He tell me that Father loves me, so dear. 

2. I feel the Spirit when I go to church 
    lessons from teachers, the scriptures I search. 
    I am so glad that they teach me with love. 
    Teaching me truths from my Father, above. 

3. I know the Spirit will help me each day 
    when I choose right, and my Father, obey. 
    I am so glad that He'll tell me whats right. 
    Thanks to my Father fro sending His light.

Stand Strong in the Storm

MP3 - Stand Strong in the Storm
PDF - Stand Strong in the Storm


I had this tune in mind and thanks to Julie Keyser, she put my tune to some beautiful lyrics. The words speak of not being afraid in face of trial. It would be appropriate for a solo, a Primary or a Young Men/Young Women to sing. I hope you enjoy it. And Julie - thank YOU!

1. Jesus slept on a boat that was trying to stay afloat,
    while the fearful waves were crashing on the sea.
    All the men cried in fear Master please save us in here,
    so he calmed the waves and told the winds to cease.

    Standing strong in the storm as they trusted in the Lord.
    Having faith that He'd guide them to shore and safely home.
    Though at times they were scared they knew the Lord truly cares
    and would guide them as they stand strong in the storm. 


2. Joesph knelt down to pray in a sacred grove that day,
    while thick darkness all around him caused despair.
    But the Lord heard his cry coming down in beams of light,
    the Father and the Son to him appeared.

    Standing strong in the storm Joseph trusted in the Lord
    Having faith he'd be guided to truth and safely home.
    Though at times he was scared he knew the Lord truly cares
    and would guide him as he stands strong strong in the storm. 


3. When I'm lost or afraid I know I can kneel and pray, 
    and the Lord will guide me where I need to go. 
    Though the wind and the rain pour down hard upon my face,
    I know the Lord will not leave me alone. 

    Standing strong in the storm I put my trust in the Lord. 
    Having faith that he'll guide me along and safely home. 
    Though at times I get scared I know the Lord truly cares 
    and will guide me as I stand strong in the storm.

Bearers of God's Holy Priesthood

MP3 - Bearers of God's Holy Priesthood
PDF - Bearers of God's Holy Priesthood

The tune was originally used in a contest in Canada, where it won 3rd place (http://www.ldshappymusic.com/2014/06/gods-re-creating-call.html). I "re purposed" the tune and fellow Mormon Tabernacle Choir singer, Michael Young set my tune to inspiring words. I love how it talks that the priesthood serves all - men, women alike. I hope you enjoy this.

1. Bearers of God's Holy Priesthood,blessed to serve their fellowmen.

    Blessed to serve His royal daughters; servants of the great I AM.

    Willingly we do God's bidding, lifting those with feeble knees.

    Lifting those with heavy burdens in all things our God to please.

2. Bearers of God's holy priesthood, bound to Him through covenants.

    Bearers of this gift from Heaven, washed clean through obedience.

    Laying hands on those afflicted that through faith they may be whole.

    Burying those in the water, who love Christ with heart and soul.

3. Bearers of God's holy priesthood, the pow'r greater than us all.

    Reaching all of God's creations, filling those who heed His call.

    Moving mountains that impede us, softening the hearts of stone.

    When we venture in God's service, we all never serve alone.

Blessings Unfold

MP3: Blessings Unfold
PDF: Blessings Unfold

I decided to try live mic-ing myself playing the recorder and this is the result. I like it. It could be used for almost any instrument, really.

Hope you enjoy it and recognize all the blessings that you have in your life and the true source of those blessings.

I'm Going to Bethlehem Tonight

MP3 - I'm going to Bethlehem Tonight
PDF - I'm going to Bethlehem Tonight

My Grandmother was given the gift of poetry. She wrote about many subjects and expressed her feelings and testimony in her poems. This is one of her poems that I set to music for Primary to sing at Christmas.

I'm going to Bethlehem tonight, it isn't very far. 
I passed some shepherds in a field who said they saw a star.
Far brighter than the noonday sun and while they watched spellbound, 
an angel came from heav'n above, and glory shone around. 

The angel told them of a child born in a lowly shed. 
With cattle lowing all about, and straw to lay his head. 
They said that angels sang with joy for this child they adored 
because he came to save the world, he is our Christ, the Lord. 


I'm on my way to Bethlehem, my heart is glad and light. 
With eagerness my footsteps go, I'm hast'ning through the night. 
I'll soon be at the manger there, the wondrous sight to see. 
I want someone to share this joy, so won't you come with me? 

Daddy!

MP3: Daddy!
PDF: Daddy!

My wife was going through some old stuff and happened upon this handwritten score from decades ago that I had forgotten about. The words are by a dear friend of mine back in PA. The music would be very appropriate for a Primary singing for Father's Day. I hope you enjoy it.

Lullabye

MP3: Lullabye
PDF: Lullabye

Not sure why this has been on my mind, but this is something I wrote several years ago and just got around to cleaning it up and scoring it. It is a simple but sweet lullabye. I hope you enjoy it.

Enter This Door

I'm taking a leap of faith. That, or I'm up for self-humiliation. In any event, this is my first Youtube video. It is rough and can be improved upon. I personally get nervous when I know a camera is bearing down on me when doing anything solo. If it were a group, there would be no problem. :)

This is one of my first compositions that I can remember. It's called "Enter This Door" along with a self introduction possibly aimed at the "I'm a Mormon" campaign.

Enter this door as if the floor ... were gold; And every wall of jewels all of wealth untold;As if a choir in robes of fires were singing here;Nor shout nor rush by hush ... for God is here 

 - Orson F. Whitney

I posted this around various social media sites, and people have been asking me for a score. I will try to work on it and post it here when I'm done.

Youtube: Enter This Door

Nature's Music

My wife and I decided it was such a beautiful day yesterday that we would take a drive. We started on the Timapanogos highway in Lehi, entered the forest and just drove - soaking in the beautiful world created for us by our loving Father in Heaven. My wife took the pictures - most while the car was in motion, but I think they turned out wonderfully.

When I got home and was posting them to Facebook, this tune came into my mind and I know I had to "marry" the two together. This is my first venture with combining audio (music) with pictures. I like the result, if I may so so myself. :)

I credit the music popping into my head, first and foremost by my Father in Heaven, and secondly from my wonderful experiences, which made me realize this: For me to write meaningful music I need to get out from my "normal" world - explore nature. Experience God's handiwork. Listen to what a babbling stream is saying. Listen to the breeze rustling through the trees. Listen to what my heart is saying as I am experiencing all of this. And I will be able to find a song through it all.

YouTube: Nature's Music

God's Re-Creating Call

MP3 - God's Re-Creating Call
PDF - God's Re-Creating Call

Earlier this year, I entered a hymn into a competition. The words were given and I just needed to come up with a melody. The hymn was to be used for a church in Ontario, Canada, which also has ties to London, England.

Two weeks ago, I discovered an email in my spam filter informing me that my hymn placed third! I was, and still am ecstatic about this. My first, ever non-LDS hymn. The website where you can see the winning hymn (along with the impressive bio of the winner) can be seen here: www.london2014.net. So here is my entry. I hope you like it.

Ev'ry breath we take is singing, ev'ry leaf unfurled a sign,
ev'ry tree for decades standing, ev'ry peak, majestic, fine.
These show God's creating glories miracles and wonders all!
We, ourselves are revelations, now, God's re-creating call.

After fire burns through forests, life begins from all around,
when we're lost in deepest sadness, God can touch us, love, astound.
Poison fills our lakes and rivers, God helps people stand and shout,
moving helpers into places, bringing light and chasing doubt.

Reefs alive with sparkling colours are endangered, fragile, pure.
God calls scientists and workers, new ideas, theories, cures.
Homeless people left ignored while greed just seems to grow and grow,
trusting God and working strongly makes a diff'rence, this we know!

Voices, voices raised in singing: "Christ commands we love each one,"
not just those that we agree with, ev'ry person, barring none.
"Come and sit around my table, speaking love, you follow me,
all the world and all creation should know love you've given free!"

Joy in the Journey

Everyone has their own journey that they alone must travel. The journey may be filled with trials, but if we can remember that our journey-master is always there to show us the way, we can have - Joy in the Journey.

MP3 - Joy in the Journey
PDF - Joy in the Journey

Memorial Day

PDF - Memorial Day Hymn
MP3 - Memorial Day Hymn

I had this tune for over two years. My original intent was to create a nice orchestration out of it, but every time I sat down to orchestrate it, I didn't feel good about it. So, I decided to make it into a hymn-like tune. The words are not mine - they are from Joyce Kilmer's poem titled Memorial Day. When I read this poem the melody came instantly into my head and I knew I had to do something with it. It's my way of honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I hope you enjoy.

Memorial Day Hymn

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings today.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
on tombs where weary soldiers lie;
flags wave above the honored dead
and martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
they kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
they plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
who went through fire and death to earn
at last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
they march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace - Who brought a sword.

Mary's Medley

MP3 - Mary's Medley

I can think of no better way to honor my Grandmother (who raised me) on Mother's Day than to arrange a medley of her best loved songs.

The Songs are:

Mother, Here's a Red, Red Rose (she wrote the words)
To a Wild Rose
Songs my Mother Taught Me

She instilled the gift of music in me, and I am eternally grateful to her for that. Happy (Grand)Mother's Day. I love you!

Holy Temples

PDF - Holy Temples
MP3 - Holy Temples

I had another version of this up yesterday, but took it down because 8 verses is just too many to sing! ;) After advice from a friend, I expanded the song, created another verse, and combined it so that now there are 4 verses, which is very manageable. The words speak of the temple and a little of what goes on in those holy places.

Holy Temples - Rick Graham

Holy temples, sacred buildings, cov'nants made and fam'lies bind.
Place of worship, place of learning, of our Heavnly Father, kind.
Come back to His holy temples; come back often, don't delay!
Learn of His love to all mankind, list to what the spirit says.

Baptized for those who can't do them, hoping they embrace the plan.
Giving choices to accept it; gospel of the Son of man.
Washed, anointed; royal lineage, blessings of eternal worth.
Sacred garments placed upon us, reminders for all on earth.

Endowment with promised blessings are all ours, this promise sure.
Sealing powers, exaltation, if we all can but endure.
Ordinances for the living, ordinances for the dead.
This important work will not end, 'till the Fathers' word is said.

We are Saviors on Mount Zion when our fam'lies work is done.
Binding all as fam'ly units, linking all, forgetting none.
Holy temples, sacred buildings, cov'nants made and fam'lies bind.
Place of worship, place of learning, in these temples we will find.

The Greatest Truth

MP3 - The Greatest Truth

PDF - The Greatest Truth

Last night at a special musical fireside, many people shared their testimony of the Savior through their talents. It was a wonderful experience. I was honored to sing in the choir and the piece I wrote, and Jenny McKinney put words to were premiered by a small children's choir. This is the piece that I submitted to the 2014 LDS Submission. 

The music came to me very quickly and sat in the "archives" until I felt prompted to get it back out and put the word out for collaborators. I was grateful for Jenny stepping forward. As I have mentioned in previous blog posts on my regular blog (www.ldshappy.com), I believe there are no such things as coincidences.the Lord is very much aware of our lives and has a huge impact on us if we allow Him to do so. And this collaboration was no "coincidence".

Here is the text that Jenny said prior to the children singing:

 On May 6, 2000, the world received a special spirit. Baylee Ann Neil was born a small 4lbs. For the most part, Baylee was healthy and was able to go home at five days old, with a heart monitor. When the heart monitor went off two weeks later, that was just the beginning of a very unknown future. Doctors not even her own were prompted to help this infant who would have otherwise died. Baylee was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, which is the presence of an extra, abnormal electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of a very fast heartbeat (tachycardia). Although she began medication to help, the next several weeks were spent in the hospital, trying to stabilize her heartbeat. There were many unanswered questions. She had many tachycardia episodes that would sometimes require medication, other times cardio conversion. This is where a special machine is used to send electrical energy to the heart muscle to restore normal rhythm. The procedure restores the normal heart rate and rhythm, allowing the heart to pump more effectively. 

For four years Baylee was in and out of the hospital, trying to find something to stabilize her heart. Nothing was working. She coded three times! When she was four years old, she had an ablation done and also received an ICD implant, a defibrillator with a built-in pacemaker. 

From her mother's own words: 

“The day came and she went into surgery. The surgery was long. The first several hours are just mapping the heart out. We were updated every hour or so and things were going well. At about six hours into surgery, we got the news that when they put her in SVT (Superventricular tachycardia) her heart rate went much higher then they expected! This changed her diagnosis too dangerous Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. They were able to ablate one extra pathway but found several more. They were unable to do anything more at this time because they could not bring her out of SVT and she was going to lose her life if they could not stabilize her ASAP. After several hours she was stable and we could see her. (That was one of the scariest things in my life!) A few days later she started experiencing seizure activity and was diagnosed with epilepsy. 

She is now 13 and has had many ups and downs along the way. At this point she is doing well. She is in 7th grade and loves softball, drawing, singing, and she is passionate about making people aware of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD). She lives a fairly normal life and I am so blessed to have her in my life. I would not wish CHD on anyone but I would not change who it has made us become. We are better people for this journey we live every day.”

To update you since I first planned on sharing this story, I will also add that Baylee had the device removed at 8 years of age. Until a few months ago, her heart was doing well. Then, that changed. For the past month, Baylee has spent most of her time in the hospital. While her body has struggled greatly, Baylee's faith has never wavered. She knows that for however long she is here in her mortal journey, it is all in God's hands. I know that those of us that know and love Baylee are happy to have her here for as long as we can. Brothers and sisters, the greatest truth is in knowing that we are beloved children of God.

Here are the words:

There are times I wonder who I am so I search my heart and mind.

For it seems although I'm different to some I still carry light inside.

There are mountains I must overcome I know, there are paths I will climb.

Yet the greatest truth has made me who I am, I'm a child of God on high.

I can stand up for those who are unique I'll reach out and be their friend.

Until they can find their own voice to speak I'll be there until the end.

There will be mountains to overcome we know, there can be joys we will find.

And the greatest truth can be our light inside, we are loved by God on high.

Help is Wanted

MP3 - Help Is Wanted
PDF - Help is Wanted

When I sat with my wife and watched the General Women's Meeting at home and heard Sister Linda K. Burton's talk "Help is Wanted", I knew I wanted to make a song out of it. I originally had these words, which work in pretty much exactly what Sister Burton said:

Help is wanted, to raise our children strong,
Help is wanted, to move God's work along -
To the living and also to the dead
Our work here on this earth will never end.

Help is wanted, to give a gentle hand,
Help is wanted, to make us understand -
That all those lost and wand'ring on their way,
Are God's children; who need out help each day.

Help is wanted, to heed promptings, and do,
Help is wanted, to live the gospel too.
With kept cov'nants we all can humbly say
We are God's disciples; we will obey.

Now those lyrics are pretty good, but every time I sat down to write music to those words, I basically got nothing. I also got the impression that I need to turn this into a much more simplified tune which Primary children can relate to. These young souls are our hope and future. So, with that in mind, a tune immediately popped into my head literally an hour ago. I wanted to have a song where the children sing a verse, the teachers sing a verse and then everybody sings the final verse.And this is the end result:

Help is wanted, the gospel shared each day,
Help is wanted, I'll listen and obey.
I will be an example to my friends,
Showing them that Jesus is my friend.

Help is wanted, I'll show a gentle hand,
Help is wanted, I'll help you understand -
That right choices you make can pave the way
For your good in all you do and say.

Help is wanted, we'll live the gospel, true,
Help is wanted, we'll read the scriptures too,
We will pray to our Father, and to see as His
Disciples, we will always be.

I hope you like it. Please send any comments. You can always subscribe to my music offerings via "follow by email" link on the right side.