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.