Songwriting is the act of baring one's soul to another in the form of words and music.
This is My Beloved Son is a song from the LDS Children’s Songbook by (Words) Marvin K. Gardner, b. 1952 and (Music) Vanja Y. Watkins, b. 1938. Each verse talks about a different setting and point in time in which God the Father introduces his Son Jesus Christ, calling him “Beloved”. 3 Nephi chapter 11 contains the account of the voice of the Father testifying of his Son and Jesus Christ appearing to the people in the Americas after his resurrection.
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! “I’ll Walk with You” is a suggested song to go along with the Book of Mormon lesson “A Marvelous Work and a Wonder” studying 2 Nephi 26–30. This is a vocal solo arrangement of a sweet song from the LDS Children’s Songbook.
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.
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.
Help Me, Dear Father , is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “Be Ye Reconciled to God” studying 2 Corinthians 1–7. This primary song isn’t one of the more well known ones, but it has a simple, sweet and pure message that is relevant to each of us. The style of this arrangement is a simple piano accompaniment that could be used to sing along with.
When I Am Baptized, from the Children’s Songbook, is the suggested song for the New Testament lesson “The Power of God unto Salvation” studying Romans 1-6. I added a third verse to it, focusing on the sanctification of the Holy Ghost that continues to cleanse and purify us throughout the rest of our lives post baptism.