"Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it by word and example with a family, a member, neighbor, or the stranger? Aren’t we something less than a friend if we have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are unwilling to share it?" - Marvin J. Ashton
I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God's plan. I'll follow him in faith. I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ. I'll honor his name. I'll do what is right; I'll follow his light. His truth I will proclaim.
I Know that My Redeemer Lives!
Showing posts with label Heavenly Father. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heavenly Father. Show all posts
The Praising section of the hymnbook is one of my favorites, as my favorite way to praise my Heavenly Father and my Savior is with song. And these songs allow me to do so in great fervor and spirit and joy--with all of me in the one talent I am (for now) best at. This particular hymn is sung often--in Conferences, in regular Sunday meetings. Quite often, for which I am glad. It really stands out for the measures when the music is written in unison, unifying the singers together in two ways instead of just one. But when the parts split, they just drive the message home more. And then the chorus is perfect with the words "Lift up your heart! Lift up your voice!" as it slowly ascends. Even with its dotted rhythms and accidentals (luckily in the key of C!), this is one that I have enjoyed playing and don't have too much difficulty in playing. So for me, this song excels in its composition, text, spirit, musicality, ease of play, and feeling.
From the history book
Based on the scripture Philippians 4:4. The tune was written in 1894 for these words and was given the name JUBILATE, which means "rejoice" in Latin. She also points out how perfectly suited the tune is to the text. Other hymnals have another verse: "Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord the Judge shall come, And take his servants up To their eternal home." Many other denominations use a different tune called DARWALL, which is what the current LDS hymnal uses for Hymn #265 ("Arise O God and Shine"), with a word change in line two to match syllables and notes. DARWALL also has an upward movement which words for the words.
Nothing said about Charles Wesley, the lyricist. According to Wikipedia, he was an English leader of the Methodist movement who wrote more than 6,000 hymns. This is the 1st of 6 of his hymns that we have in our hymnal, though I already wrote about one of the Christmas ones, and one of the the "New Year's ones" which I haven't written about yet but which my ward choir is working on right now. He writes some good rejoicing music for singers!
Another praising song with Alleluias! This time they are not scattered in the verse like Hymn #62, but are the opening part of the chorus. I adore the chorus of this song! All about rejoicing through song. That always gets to my heart. And the tune of this one is fabulous--goes perfectly with the attitude of praising and joy. Generally sung on Sundays because of the reference to being in a place of worship. But often sung in General Conferences and other times we meet together as Saints. Text and music written by the same composer of Hymn #63.
From the history book
Dr. Robertson was the chairman of the General Church Music Committee. At the time, youth choruses were being encoraged, so he wrote this song for them in hopes of bringing "music of great quality to the youth of the LDS Church." What we have in our hymnal is abridge and adapted from his original anthem. Generally Brother Robertson set already written words to music, but he wanted to write the words for this as well. His daughter said, "My father always loved to set to music the Hebrew word Alleluia, probably because of its inherently beautiful sounds, its historical importance, and its meaning." And he does a wonderful job at it!
His daughter also pointed out that the three basic elements of a hymn are that it is 1) a song 2) of praise 3) to the Lord. And this song is all 3.
Here is another video with the song sung a little more reflective than general, which is not only beautiful because of that, but because it is our BYU choir men. *Sigh* Anything sounds better with men who can sing singing it! :-) PLUS! I believe this was one of Dr. Staheli's last performances as a conductor before he retired. I miss singing under his leadership.
One of my most favoritest of favorite hymns. When I am asked to pick JUST one (do people understand just how hard favorites are for passionate people like me?!), this is the hymn that I go with. Always having a thing for the "Alleluia hymns," this hymn stood out as a child. But then seeing its role in the LDS Church movie "Mountain of the Lord" when I was a tween (and thus watching that movie countless times for the many years following), it took on another meaning. I no longer wanted to just sing the hymns in Church. I wanted to sing them with feeling and testimony and the praise due to them--especially when they are praising hymns like this one! Joy of joys that this hymn in 3 flats (one of my hardest keys to play) with a random 3/2 time signature and accidentals scattered as well as ranges that my small hands cannot reach and is one of those fast upbeat hymns that I always struggle with is still one that I have managed to learn and be able to play. A true blessing from the Lord to help me be able to play one of my most favoritest of favorite hymns.
As my voice developed over time into a 3 octave range, I reveled in getting to sing high notes in Church, when often lower register hymns were chosen because not many--especially of our elder members--can hit those high notes. But oh the joy to praise in full, top voice those high notes of "Alleluia!" Just like my choir director Kelly DeHaan would talk about in our Sterling Singers choirsides. Sometimes one just has to bear their testimony fortissimo--and singing is the only way we're allowed to do so in our meetings. So why not embrace that opportunity when it comes?
Every time this song comes up, I possibly sing a little louder than any other hymn. Because it is perfect. Not only does it have those "Alleluias" scattered throughout the song, the words for a nature lover like me thrill me to the very core. (Yes, I know--I am waxing eloquent like Anne Shirley, but it cannot be helped--that is how beautiful songs and the glorious world Heavenly Father has created for us affect me.) But the words don't have to be just about the wondrous things in nature singing back to praise their Creator. Those parts of nature are symbolic of us, and how we can praise, too.
"Lift up your voice and with us sing"
"Make music for thy Lord to hear" (I adore that line)
"In praise rejoice"
"Find a voice"
"That gives to man both warmth and light"
We are also His creations. And we should join together as His children to praise and thank him for all that we are and have: in us as children of God, as human beings, and for the beauty of all that is around us--created for us. Truly it is a "How can I keep from singing" moment! And this song evokes and enables those emotions for me.
Because of copyright, I cannot share they lyrics or sheet music, which are also not on the LDS hymns page. But this is not a hymn singular to the LDS church. So many other religions know this, because it was the amazing St. Francis of Assisi who wrote it. (I don't really know much else about him, but he has always had a fond place in my heart for writing this hymn I love so much.) But I feel the video above helps in at least you getting to hear it, as well as some of the beauties of the world that they included with the video.
From the history book (excited to read this!)
"It is a joyous inventory of the blessings heaped upon us by a loving Creator as each of His creations is urged to join in a chorus of praise." So well said. St. Francis became weak and suffered periods of temporary blindness. He knew he would not live much longer, so he composed a hymn "declaring one final time his love for the simple things of nature and praising God for them. His feeling of unity with nature was all-inclusive and highly personal; the original version addresses the sun, wind, and fire as 'brothers,' the moon and water as 'sisters,' and the earth, as retained in our version, as 'mother.'" He added another stanza addressed to our sister death. "Such were his feelings of peace as his life closed."
The original hymn was in vulgar Latin, the language of the common people in St Francis' time. William Draper translated the version the LDS use in their hymnal, writing it for a schoolchildren's festival in England. He condensed the words and added in the "Alleluias" (woohoo!). The tune was first printed in 1623 in Germany, and its title translates to "Let us rejoice." Quite fitting.
One of the short hymns, often chosen because of its length. Written by an Apostle. A very simple message of pleading and promising to our Father. I would list my favorite lines, but I love them all. It is so beautifully poetic and the sentiments conveyed hit home perfectly for me.
From the history book
The tune used for this hymn was originally written by Evan Stephens and was in the 1927 hymnal. In the hymnbook revising, the committee suggested leaving this one out because it was never sung. But the composer Schreiner didn't want that because these were words of an Apostle. So he went to Elder Widstoe proposing a title change (because its original was a bit negative: "Father! Lead Me Out of Darkness") and adjust a few words. Elder Widstoe, however, had written in to be sung by someone not of the LDS faith, who is in darkness. Brother Schreiner was able to help him see how the song might not work so well if sung after an enlightening message to the Saints. The rearrangement of words changed its meter, so Tracy Cannon asked Schreiner to supply a new tune. I like that history!
Lyrics
1. Lead me into life eternal
By the gospel's holy call.
Let thy promise rest upon me;
Grant me ready strength for all.
2. Father, all my heart I give thee;
All my service shall be thine.
Guide me as I search in weakness;
Let thy loving light be mine.
3. Hear me as I pray in meekness;
Let my strength be as thy day.
Give me faith, the greater knowledge;
Father, bless me as I pray.
Text: John A. Widtsoe, 1872-1952. (c) 1948 IRI
Music: Alexander Schreiner, 1901-1987. (c) 1948 IRI
This song is both ridiculously hard and absolutely delightful to play. And was almost impossible on the organ--thank heavens my teacher did not ask me to learn pedal on it.
NO.
WAY.
This is as far from the chord-chord-chord set up as you can get, including an incredible part for bass singers (quite rare). The tune goes perfectly with the text about arising and shining into a world of darkness, with nothing to fear in spite of trials and temptations because this is God's work and we are His people.
Favorite lines:
*Arise and shine in splendor Amid the world's deep night, For God thy sure defender, Is now they life and light.
*With the redeemed shall, singing, To Zion come again
*All of Verse 3, especially But patient, firm endurance, With glory in our view
*Oh, grant, Eternal Father, That we may faithful be
*To him be glory given Whose blood did us redeem
So much joy and hope and determination in the words. How can you not want to sing it exuberantly as the music indicates? It is so fun and beautiful, we'll even ignore the Utah reference in Verse 2. :-)
From the history book
This hymn was written 2 years after the Saints came to Utah. So, yes, the author was referring to Utah as Zion. The 1985 hymnbook committee decided to make this more applicable to all the Church, since Zion is worldwide. So they deleted 3 of the 4 verses that were "within the rows" in the 1950 hymnal and substituted 3 of the little-used "extra" verses printed below the hymn. Ah--those poor, unsung verses. See how amazing they can be? :-) The removed verses are really good, too, but definitely Utah-centric. Would be nice to be sung in a DUP meeting or some celebration of Utah history. Nothing said about the marvelous tune. :-( But it is by George Careless--who has written nine of our hymns' tunes.
I love this hymn! So much fun to sing and a pure beast to play! Syncopation, running notes, three flats. Sometimes the challenging hymn are quite the fun--even if I never have gotten it correctly all the way through. This could be considered another Mountain song where we found shelter in its height and beauty. Yet somehow growing up I was able to see beyond that when singing the song. The mountains were symbolic of any place where I found shelter from the trials and storms of life. That, and though not in Utah, I did grow up in a mountain state and very much enjoyed the beauty there.
From the history book
It was a choir hymn in the 1950 hymnal, but congregations liked it so much that they sang it anyway. The author was not LDS and her hills referred to mountains in Switzerland. Edward Sloan adapted Felicia's hymn, but after 1965 they dropped a verse mentioning "untutored Indian"--wise choice. I guess line 3 used to be a women's only part, since the 1985 hymnal added parts for bass and tenor. Another verse was left out in the 1985 hymnal as well. With the revisions of Felicia's original poem and what changes have been made over the years, I am very happy with the 4 verses we have now.
Lyrics
1. For the strength of the hills we bless thee,
Our God, our fathers' God;
Thou hast made thy children mighty
By the touch of the mountain sod.
Thou hast led thy chosen Israel
To freedom's last abode;
(Chorus]
For the strength of the hills we bless thee,
Our God, our fathers' God.
2. At the hands of foul oppressors
We've borne and suffered long;
Thou hast been our help in weakness,
And thy pow'r hath made us strong.
Amid ruthless foes outnumbered
In weariness we trod;
3. Thou hast led us here in safety
Where the mountain bulwark stands
As the guardian of the loved ones
Thou hast brought from many lands.
For the rock and for the river,
The valley's fertile sod,
4. We are watchers of a beacon
Whose light must never die;
We are guardians of an altar
'Midst the silence of the sky.
Here the rocks yield founts of courage,
Struck forth as by thy rod;
Text: Felicia D. Hemans, 1793-1835; adapted by Edward L. Sloan, 1830-1874
This is what I call a classic, meaning it has been around in hymn-dom since before any LDS hymnal, and is sung in many faiths. The Isaac Watts wrote the hymn. Very easy tune to remember. A great testimony and praise of our Heavenly Father--how He is always there, has been and will be, forever. My favorite line: Our hope for years to come.
From the history book
It also mentioned how beloved this hymn is in many Christian faiths. There was another verse, which used to be verse 4, and the now verse 4 was verse 5 and rarely sung. And verse 3 is based on Psalm 90:2, as Isaac Watts liked using Psalms in hymns.
UPDATE, 11/28/16 - watching Return to Cranford and this is the hymn they're singing at the beginning! :-)
Lyrics
1. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
2. Within the shadow of thy throne,
Still may we dwell secure.
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting thou art God,
To endless years the same.
4. O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guide while life shall last,
And our eternal home.
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835.
In my opinion, this is one of the most fun songs to sing with its melody, constantly moving parts. I sometimes would get bored by the "chord-chord-chord" nature of most typical hymns. This is may be composed of chords, but it also has so much movement. And I love it! Of course, that credit cannot be given to the early Saints since it is based on a Scottish folk song (yay heritage!) and is one I often hear bagpipe bands play. Then again, the majority of bagpipe bands I listen to are here in Utah. I wonder if ones outside of Utah play this tune as much. Hmmmm... Well, whatever the case, I love this tune.
I also love the words. This hymn shows how we praise and honor Joseph Smith, but we do not worship him. We acknowledge what amazing things he did as an instrument in God's hands to restore the fulness of the Gospel, the priesthood keys, and enable salvation for the living and the dead. To have endured so much suffering and do so overall with an optimistic, upbeat attitude about life. His cheerful disposition. His love for people and life. His tireless work ethic. As a man, he was pretty amazing. And then to be the main instrument to help us--the world!--again fully access the Lord's Atonement and promised blessings of exaltation, my joy is great that Joseph the Prophet sacrificed so much for me and all of mankind. So I find the greatest joy in singing his praises with this song--in the most fun, upbeat way possible!
I am excited for this coming Sunday because this year the Primary (the children's organization) learned two of the verses to sing in their program. I actually was substituting as the Primary chorister during the month they were to learn it. Teaching it to them was interesting and hilarious. I always like to teach actions in songs to little kids, which the majority of our Primary is quite young. And we came up with the actions on the spot. Absolutely hilarious. I think the adult leaders' favorite was the action for "mingling with gods." I aim to please. :-)
Favorite line: "Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." I remember a talk given on that and it really resonated with me.
From the history book
Another hymn by the talented William W. Phelps, a close friend of the Prophet Joseph--who had his own forgiveness story with him which has always touched me. Phelps wrote this to express grief and admiration for his lost prophet and friend. This song is described as having a "joyful sadness." Agreed. For it has always been a huge sorrow to me for how Joseph Smith died, yet it set him free from the mobs and hypocrites.
The second verse originally was more specific to where he was martyred, but in 1927 they changed the wording to fir the "good neighbor" policy of the Church. The original text was first printed in 1844. Though it was Brother Phelps hymn, the first verse seems to be based on Sir Walter Scott's Lady of the Lake. They think it was likely that in the early days of the hymn, it was sung to the "Hail to the Chief" tune, and moved to the current "Scotland the Brave" tune after they moved to Utah. And thank goodness for that!!!
Lyrics
1. Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.
(Chorus]
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.
2. Praise to his mem'ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Plead unto heav'n while the earth lauds his fame.
3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
This is a well-known, well-loved, often-sung hymn among LDS members. The story of The First Vision full of its joy, promise, excitement--yet in its perfect simplicity. One of the most important events in the world's history, and it took place in an unassuming, quiet forest. Everything changed. Heavenly Father came with His Son, our Savior, to speak to a boy who wanted to know the truth. The heavens were opened again. The First Vision, as it came to be called, is a favorite event among many, including myself. So I love that this hymn is not only about that event, but basically tells the story of it. I love the tune as well. It fits perfectly with the text, though I did have the choir sing a version that was to the tune of "Come, Thou Fount" (a fabulous hymn no longer in our current hymnal) which was amazing as well.
My personal connection with this hymn--it was the first one I played on the piano from this hymnal. Up to that point, I had been teaching myself from two different books of simplified hymns. This was a huge part of my piano "career." I couldn't believe I had played an actual, non-simplified hymn! This was in 7th grade I think. Within a few years, I was able to play pretty much every hymn in this hymn book. The hymns of the Church were a major role/teacher in my learning to play the piano. So this song was not only one I loved to sing, and loved its message, but it was a milestone for me as well.
From the history book
George Manwaring wrote the text, though the first verse was different. And someone(s) at the Juvenile Instructor edited it, and in 1878 it first appeared in print. The first two lines of music are a tune by an American composer and was used in the 1889 hymnal. The last two lines were written by A.C. Smyth. The book also points out that the hymn has a strong base in the account Joseph Smith himself wrote about his experience.
Lyrics
1. Oh, how lovely was the morning!
Radiant beamed the sun above.
Bees were humming, sweet birds singing,
Music ringing thru the grove,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love,
When within the shady woodland
Joseph sought the God of love.
2. Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing--
'Twas the boy's first uttered prayer--
When the pow'rs of sin assailing
Filled his soul with deep despair;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav'nly Father's care;
But undaunted, still he trusted
In his Heav'nly Father's care.
3. Suddenly a light descended,
Brighter far than noonday sun,
And a shining, glorious pillar
O'er him fell, around him shone,
While appeared two heav'nly beings,
God the Father and the Son,
While appeared two heav'nly beings,
God the Father and the Son.
4. "Joseph, this is my Beloved;
Hear him!" Oh, how sweet the word!
Joseph's humble prayer was answered,
And he listened to the Lord.
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God;
Oh, what rapture filled his bosom,
For he saw the living God.
Text: George Manwaring, 1854-1889
Music: Sylvanus Billings Pond, 1792-1871; adapted by A. C. Smyth, 1840-1909
This is a hymn that I am 50-50 familiar with. I don't know the words by memory. I can probably hum about 50% of it correctly. Yet it isn't one that I have no idea about. It's a short one--have to be familiar with those to fit in when we do long hymns. Ah, spoken like a Ward Music Director. :-)
The hymn is not sung a lot, that I remember from my lifetime. Yet it isn't completely unknown. Does that explain the 50-50 description? It may apply to quite a few hymns in the book for me. Others would say, "I've never heard this hymn!" And they could be right, though I hear them say that about hymns that I know were sung in Conference in the previous few years.... Ah, the tonal memory of a Music Lover.
I love that this song is a plea to Heavenly Father to help us grow. It is our purpose on earth--to grow and become like Him. I love
"Forge our souls in living fire; Shape them to they great desire."
For if we are to change, it will not be easy. We will have to go through fire (trials and tribulations) so we are malleable and able to be shaped the way He has in mind for us. The way He knows will be best for us.
I also like
"Take us in our eager youth; Lift us step by step to thee"
For we our spirits are young, no matter what are earthly age may be. And I know for me, I am eager to learn all that Heavenly Father can offer. Eager to grow. And I need Him to help me one step at a time in that.
Verse 3 is all pretty awesome, too. I really like it when we refer to God as merciful, for so many choose to see the side where he has to execute justice. He cannot be God if He does not follow through on what He said He would. And yet over and over He extends His arm of mercy. That is what I see the most, and I will cherish it.
From the history book
The author stated "I am not prepared to go so far as to say this was inspiration [writing the text in an hour], but certainly the hymn almost wrote itself, and I didn't struggle over it as I have done over many of the other things I have written." Brother Bennett wrote it because with the 1948/1950 hymnal, the committee noticed there weren't very many hymns especially suitable for Priesthood meetings. The head of the committee wrote the music, and the tune name Elsie is for his first wife. Each year near his birthday, Brother Bennett's SLC ward would sing this hymn in his honor. :-)
This hymn has been sung so much in my lifetime, that I had it pretty much memorized by the time I was in college. I absolutely love the words. But there is an irony which my Dad first helped me notice--the only thing that talks about a prophet is the very first line of the first verse. And that is it. Yet this is the song we often sing when there is a fireside or some such that the prophet comes to speak at. There are a couple of other songs that are more fully about prophets. And my dad and mom wrote a hymn about them, too. But this is the one we always sing. The irony is what gets to me on that, but otherwise, I love this hymn. I love that it is a gratitude hymn, telling of all the things we are grateful that Heavenly Father has given us through the restored Gospel.
Favorite lines:
To lighten our minds with its [Gospel] rays
***There is hope smiling brightly before us***
We doubt not the Lord nor his goodness
The entire 3rd verse.
From the history book
George Pyper described it as "exclusively a Latter-day Saint hymn; a Mormon heart-throb; a song of the Restoration." The author William Fowler was a convert who served as a missionary in England before coming to America. He presented this at a meeting while in England, while President Joseph F. Smith was visiting.
The composer wrote the tune and words when an officer friend of hers was killed in battle. So a song that was written to honor someone's life became one of great praise. And there was an editing change in the 1985 hymnal to accommodate what congregations had gotten in the habit of singing. (Third line should have been A A A A A G F on "lighten our minds with its rays." But now it is A A B A A G F.)
(Posted on another blog. Felt it belonged here, too.)
Today I still have
My mom and dad My beloved sister My brothers My amazing in-laws My "niephews" My home My job My patrons who love me My co-workers who love and support me My neighbors and ward members My testimony My health My car My legs and feet My arms and hands My hair (yes, I'm going to put that in there :-) ) My eyes My friends and very best friends My aunts, uncles, and cousins My blogs My games My Happy Now list My memories My love My heart My beliefs My freedoms My voice My Church leaders My tissues My books My blankets My joy My ability to serve My temple recommend My smile My sense of humor My food My sense of security My experiences My desires My Lord's Gospel My scriptures My journals My gift of the Holy Ghost My Redeemer My Heavenly Father My future
Today, I am overwhelmed. Today I am mourning. Today I am tired. Today I am crying. But Today, I am grateful. Today, I am fortunate. Today, I am blessed.
This is a blog where I share inspirational/explanatory quotes, pieces of my testimony, and various things/events/experiences that have strengthened and will continue to increase that testimony. I am not officially called of my church to keep this blog. I share these things because they are the core of my very existence. And every part of me wants to proclaim it to all the world. So, I'll start here. I hope all who read my "spiritual ramblings" may know with a surety that I know and believe these things with all of my heart and with complete assurance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I would love to talk more with readers, though I do reserve the right to not discuss or respond to anything inappropriate or that I am not comfortable with.
