Legalese
MY MUSIC WAS FREE
For several years, I have given my music away for free. That's right - not one cent. I have been met with resistance from the "pay folks" and have been the indirect subject of how free music isn't really appreciated yadda yadda. As I have and will continue to maintain my music is my way of paying it forward. Because the Lord has blessed me with the talents and I really have no desire to make any money from my music, I have wrestled with how I can feel better about what I do and dismiss the critics. And let me say, I have no problems with those who do sell their music - just their communication on why they think that pay music is superior to free music.
So, effective immediately my music will have a cost. The format is quite simple:
If you use my music in any performance, I would request you make a donation to either the general missionary or humanitarian fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I don't care if you contribute $5.00 or $.05. It's just a way to further the work of the Lord by you paying it forward. Think of the good you can do for a struggling missionary or refugee seeking refuge and safety. The scripture, "...if ye have done it unto the least of these, ye have done it unto me" comes very clearly into my head.
I don't need or want to know of your contribution - that is up to you. My website will be updated with this information. I hope you find favor with this new method and pray the Lords choicest blessings on you as you reach out to His children.
* That you can copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially as long as you give appropriate credit and provide a link to this website (ldshappymusic.com).* You may not remix, re-engineer or otherwise alter the music or words without permission from the author(s).* My originals are NOT sactioned/approved by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Permission from your Priesthood leader prior to rehearsing/performing is recommended.* No warranties are given or implied. The work shall remain the property of LDS Happy Music.
* And lastly, please enjoy the music. Comments are encouraged. :)
Sunday, August 31, 2014
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!
Friday, August 29, 2014
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.
Saturday, August 23, 2014
I Hear the Spirit
PDF - I Hear the Spirit
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.
Monday, August 18, 2014
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.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
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.
Saturday, August 9, 2014
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.