Songwriting is the act of baring one's soul to another in the form of words and music.
Family History-I Am Doing It, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” studying the books of 1 and 2 Peter. This fun little primary song has a pioneer, country feel with a great message about doing family history work for those who are living now and our ancestors who have gone before. I included some images of people from my own family history in this video, all of whom are special to me!
Have I Done Any Good?, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only” studying the book of James. This song was a really fun one to do! Kevin Forbush is our guest guitar player and vocalist for this vocal duet arrangement that we did together. He is an amazing guitar player, songwriter and singer. When we moved to our new area here in Layton, (he lives a few houses down the street) we discovered that he was my Aunt’s brother (my aunt by marriage) and had also been neighbors with my husband’s uncle. Just so many connections! ha ha. He and his family all love music and it was really great to be able to do this song with him. The sheet music for this arrangement can be found here: http://marileekaymusic.com/sheet-music/
Faith, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “An High Priest of Good Things to Come” studying the books of Hebrews 7–13. This primary song has a beautiful, simple melody and the lyrics describe what could be an obscure principle, faith, with simple object lessons. I remember singing it a lot as a child at church.
I Need Thee Every Hour, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson Jesus Christ, “the Author of Eternal Salvation” studying Hebrews 1–6. This is the second time I am posting this song. The first time was August 2022 for the Old Testament lesson in the middle section of Psalms. It was one of my earlier arrangements in this series. It is such a beautiful and personal hymn.
Shine On, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “Be Thou an Example of the Believers” studying the books of 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon. This arrangement is a simple accompaniment style that allows for a sing-along. The song can be found in the LDS Children’s Songbook.
I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “Perfect That Which Is Lacking in Your Faith” studying the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. This song was also the “suggested song” for Haggai and Zechariah in the Old Testament.
Paul is a great example to me of someone who continuously rejoiced in the Lord. There have been times in my life when thinking of the grace of Jesus Christ, his atonement and resurrection and the ability for us to be forgiven through repentance and to be saved…has been the only thing that has given me hope and peace! I am forever grateful for the mercy of God and his Son.
Hope of Israel, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “For the Perfecting of the Saints” studying the book of Ephesians. The Merrill family are the guest singers for this song. Carrie Merrill is my sister-in-law, my husband’s sister, and she has a beautiful family who all sings! As I was looking at the upcoming suggested songs, I knew this one would be perfect to arrange with them. “Hope of Israel” is my first choral arrangement in this series and the sheet music can be found here: http://marileekaymusic.com/sheet-music/
Teach Me to Walk in the Light, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “Walk in the Spirit” studying the book of Galatians. This primary song was also the suggested song for another lesson in the old testament, so this is a repeat from that video with some adjustments. My teenage daughter recorded the first verse for me and I couldn’t convince her to do more than that! But she came up with the arrangement all on her own and I love it.
“Give,” Said the Little Stream, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” studying 2 Corinthians 8–13. This primary song is the one my Dad would choose whenever we needed a nice song to sing for our family meetings growing up (or family home evenings)! It is a favorite amongst the toddlers at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I feel bad because I didn’t realize I was singing the wrong lyric and ended up recorded it that way, but I decided to leave it! The reason I recorded “grass” instead of “field” is because I grew up singing it that way and honestly thought those were the lyrics until after I had already polished the recording. I figured it would be our family’s own special touch on the song. Ha ha