Songwriting is the act of baring one's soul to another in the form of words and music.
I was immediately drawn to ‘Testimony.’ The words ‘I know my Father lives’ came to my mind, and the music came almost simultaneously. The remainder of the piece came very quickly, but I thought it was too simple, so I began working on it. It became more and more complicated and less and less spontaneous. After two weeks of struggling with it, I began to erase all the excess notes, and soon it emerged in its original form.
Hello! “A Child’s Prayer” is one of the suggested songs to go along with the Come Follow Me Book of Mormon lesson this week. This is a piano solo or piano accompaniment arrangement that can be used in a
Hello! I Feel My Savior’s Love is a suggested hymn for the Book of Mormon lesson “Come and Partake of the Fruit” studying the 1 Nephi 6–10. This lesson includes a prophetic vision or dream that Lehi shares with his family. This dream has layers of meaning, I am sure, but one core aspect of it is the light and love that God offers those who will come unto him.
I Will Be Valiant, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “They Overcame … by the Blood of the Lamb” studying Revelation 6–14.
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!
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.
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.
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