Grace and Goodness: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

As I listened to Music and the Spoken Word this past Sunday, I loved the tribute Lloyd Newell gave to Queen Elizabeth II.  She is a great example of a follower of Christ.  

Recently, the longest-reigning monarch in Britain’s history, Queen Elizabeth II peacefully passed into eternity. For more than 70 years, she was the only sovereign many Britons had ever known. And while the world changed dramatically over the decades, the Queen remained steadfast and strong, an emblem of “grace and goodness” to her people—and to the world.

Like a river that moves with purpose and direction, the queen was driven more by principle than popularity. Devotion to duty, service to God and country, gave her life meaning and purpose.

Before her coronation, the Queen expressed the humility and dedication that made her such a great leader for so many years. “I want to ask you all,” she said, “whatever your religion may be, to pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.” Clearly, God answered those prayers.

“Faithful” is a good word to describe Queen Elizabeth’s service. Her faith in a Heavenly King guided her life and her work. She often spoke of that faith—of the Christian ideals that inspired her. And yet Queen Elizabeth’s faith was evident not only in her words but also her actions. She endeavored to serve, not just to be served. She visited the downtrodden. She lifted those who suffered and gave hope to those in despair. She explained: “For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.”

I loved that after Lloyd's tribute to the Queen, the song that followed was,  "It is Well, With My Soul".  (Click onto the highlighted link to see it also preformed in sign language.) You can see the whole 30 minute program by clicking here.  

For the Beauty of the Earth

Welcome to our world here in Utah and see what we've seen this fall...

The colors

 The beauty

God's creations 

The brightness

The sunrises

The sunsets

Cuteness  

Oquirrh Mountain Temple   

Come to God's own temple, come; Raise the song of harvest home.  

All things denote there is a God; even the earth and all things that are upon the face of it....do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.  Alma 30:44

Come Ye Thankful People Come

Henry Alford

1 Come, ye thankful people, come, 

raise the song of harvest home; 

all is safely gathered in, 

ere the winter storms begin. 

God our Maker doth provide 

for our wants to be supplied; 

come to God's own temple, come, 

raise the song of harvest home. 

2 All the world is God's own field, 

fruit unto His praise to yield; 

wheat and tares together sown 

unto joy or sorrow grown; 

first the blade and then the ear, 

then the full corn shall appear; 

Lord of harvest, grant that we 

wholesome grain and pure may be. 

3 For the Lord our God shall come,

and shall take His harvest home; 

from His field shall in that day 

all offenses purge away, 

give His angels charge at last 

in the fire the tares to cast; 

but the fruitful ears to store 

in His garner evermore. 

4 Even so, Lord, quickly come

to thy final harvest home; 

gather thou thy people in, 

free from sorrow, free from sin, 

there, forever purified, 

in thy presence to abide; 

come, with all thine angels, come, 

raise the glorious harvest home.

A Tribute to the Armed Services

We watched this performance this morning on Music and the Spoken Word and it brought us back to our Arcadia days when the Southern California Mormon Choir would sing this medley every year at the 4th of July Concert.

   

This is what The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square had to say about the song:

The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform a medley "A Tribute to the Armed Services," arranged by Lloyd Larson. The medley consists of "The Army Goes Rolling Along," "Marine Corps Hymn," "Semper Paratus," "Anchors Aweigh," "The U.S. Air Force (Wild Blue Yonder)," and "America the Beautiful."

Of course, I think of our family members who have served our country as I listen to the song:  Bryce Jeppson in the Marines. George Magnusson in the Navy.  Kiefer Harris in the Air force.  David Wood in the Army

This is our home in Duarte flying, "The Emblem of the Land We Love".

Click here for the link to watch the whole program.  This the narrative of what was said on the program.

The Spoken Word

“The Emblem of the Land We Love”

The flag of the United States has flown on the earth and the moon, on the home front and the battlefront, in conflict and in peace. Something stirs within us when we see this red, white, and blue “emblem of the land [we] love, the home of the free and the brave.”

For many of us, that stirring is especially deep when we remember those who have died defending what the flag represents. As one unknown patriot wrote, “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” Today we honor the heroic men and women throughout history who have defended our nation. Without their sacrifice, the flag would be little more than a colorful piece of fabric. Because of their sacrifice, the flag continues to proclaim to all the world the principles of freedom, equality, liberty, and justice for all.

Of course, we all know that no nation is perfect. And yet our love and respect for our country seems to deepen as we work to overcome our shortcomings and mistakes, past and present. What makes any country great is the principles of its founding, its boundless potential, and its constant striving to live up to those precepts.

The same is true of each of us. After all, a country is made up of individuals—all less than perfect and all with great potential. In a sense each of us is, like our beloved flag, an emblem of this land we love. Our country is only as strong as each individual who serves and sacrifices for its core institutions: for home and family, for neighborhoods and communities, for church and state.  

And so this Memorial Day when we see the flag of freedom wave, let us remember what it represents—not just a land but a people. It waves for the sons and daughters who gave their all. It waves for the promise of liberty they died to protect. It waves for every patriot who has made this country the land we love. We honor their memories, this day and always.

Songs of Testimony

Ever since I was a young child,  I have had a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I was introduce to the Gospel as I attended Sunday School and Primary and sang the children's hymns. 

This is a picture of me with my older brother, Craig 

Last week when I was in Idaho, I was invited to share my testimony to my grandchildren, ages 9-2.  What better way to bear my testimony than through the words of Primary hymns.

I Am a Child of God

I like how this video portrays that the title of this song applies to everyone -- both young and old.

A Child's Prayer

This song is sung using sign language.  Notice the first verse is a question.  The second verse is the answer.  

We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet

As an adult,  this hymn gives me a lot of peace, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic.  I look to our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson as he has calmly counseled us with optimism. He invited us to fast and pray for healing and an end to the pandemic.   

As I Walk with Jesus

The video shows examples of how we can "walk with Jesus". The song has a great message found in the chorus: 

As I walk with Jesus to my home above,

He will bless me with His Spirit and fill me with His love,

Change my heart forever and help me clearly see.

I will walk with Jesus, and He will walk with me. 

The Miracle

This song bears a strong testimony of the mission of Jesus Christ 

“The Miracle”

by Shawna Belt Edwards

Jesus walked upon the water.

He stilled the storm and calmed the angry sea.

With His hands He healed the leper.

He made the lame to walk, the blind to see.

He fed a thousand people with a loaf or two of bread.

And when the ruler’s daughter died,

He raised her from the dead.

Jesus is a God of miracles;

Nothing is at all impossible to Him.

But I know this:

Of all His miracles, the most incredible must be

The miracle that rescues me!

Jesus bled and died to save me—

A price that I could never pay alone.

When He rose again, He gave me

The greatest gift the world has ever known!

Yes, I can be forgiven every time that I repent,

And someday He will lift me up to live with Him again.

Jesus is a God of miracles;

Nothing is at all impossible to Him.

But I know this:

Of all His miracles the most incredible must be

The miracle that rescues me,

The miracle that rescues you and me!

© 2018 by Shawna Belt Edwards. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. This notice must be included on each copy made.

Gethsemane

This song is a wonderful way to teach children about the Atonement, 

I  would invite you to share these songs with your children or grandchildren.   

(Click onto the title link of each song to watch each video on Youtube) 

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

This past Sunday as we watched General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this closing hymn was the highlight of the conference for me.

Templehousegalery.com explains the uniqueness of the presentation of hymn:

The 190th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2020 featured Latter-day Saints from around the world virtually joining The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in a prerecorded performance.

In addition to the historic significance April’s general conference holds as the bicentennial anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision — one of the Church’s most important foundational events — risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the Church’s official choir could not sing live, as they normally would.

These unique circumstances provided even more value to a recently produced compilation of prerecorded videos of the iconic Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and choirs of Latter-day Saints from congregations across the globe.

At the close of the Sunday afternoon session, the preproduced video of Church members on six continents singing “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” along with the Church’s iconic choir was broadcast by satellite and streamed by internet to millions of people worldwide who listened to general conference on Church and public-facing channels.

Latter-day Saint choirs from Accra, Ghana; Mexico City, Mexico; Seoul, South Korea; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Frankfurt, Germany; and Auckland, New Zealand, participated in the almost five-minute rendition of the beloved Church hymn.

Speaking of  being grateful for our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson asked that we fast on Good Friday that our lives may be "normalized" as we are dealing with this "present pandemic"

The church news states:

Latter-day Saints and all others who want to participate are being called to join in a worldwide fast.

“For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again,” said President Russell M. Nelson in his Saturday evening general conference address. “Let us prayerfully plead for relief from this global pandemic.

“I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life normalized.”

This video shows President Nelson's invitation"

As I fasted on Good Friday and listened to this 2015 recording of the  Hallelujah Chorus, I felt connected to my brothers and sisters around the world in a united cause.  

Primary Medley

Scott and I along with Rachel, Lisa, Craig and Lynn were able to attend the Pioneer Day Concert featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

We were able to great seats in the front and center of the Conference Center

The King's Singers were the guest performers.  One of my favorite pieces they sang was a Primary Medley.  It was fun to hear them start with some of my childhood favorites and then end with songs testifying of the Savior.

You can also see the video by clicking here.  

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing was performed at the Saturday morning session 2016 General Conference by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  They did  a beautiful rendition of the song as you can see by watching to the video below.

You can also see the video by clicking here.  

A member of the choir, C. David Belt, talks about his experience of singing this song to ldsdaily.com:

“Every time I sing with the Choir, I am so very profoundly grateful,” he said. “I am amazed that, out of all the very talented people out there who would love to sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, I get to stand before my Maker and sing His praises with this marvelous group of people.”

One of Belt’s favorite things about being in the Choir is singing the arrangements done by Choir music director (and conductor/composer), Mack Wilberg. They are “so beautiful, so elegant, so thrilling,” Belt said. “It is as if he has bottled my Savior’s love, condensed it into the sweetest nectar, and I get to drink it.”

The special arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is no different. As Belt was singing, he felt the power of the Atonement wash over him.

“Elder Renlund had just told that story about the Aaronic priesthood administering the sacrament for one person, and that the Savior performed the Atonement for each of us individually.  I began to weep as soon as the song began.  I love songs about the grace of Jesus Christ, how He paid for my sins.  It’s very personal to me.  We had just sung, He to rescue me from danger interposed His precious blood.  He paid for MY sins, for ME.  Then we sang, Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it.  Prone to leave the God I love!  Here’s my heart.  Oh, take and seal it.  Seal it for Thy courts above.  

I love my Savior and I am so very grateful for what He did for me.  Songs like that one really touch me.”

 You can read the whole story from ldsdaily by clicking here.

Hallelujah!

On February 19th The Mormon Tabernacle choir sent out an invitation to join them for the World's Largest Virtual "Hallelujah" Chorus!

You can also see the video by clicking here

What happens when the greatest choir in the world combines with voices from around the world in a stirring tribute to the Savior Jesus Christ? Find out as Mormon Tabernacle Choir's definitive arrangement is combined with user-submitted vocals for one amazing experience.

To tell you the truth, I though it was a crazy idea.

As I have watched the end result of the virtual singing of the Hallelujah Choir several times, I'll have to admit that I have been touch by the spirit of the project and the song, praising that our Savior, Jesus Christ, has come to the earth so that we can have Eternal Life.

Enjoy the end result:

You can also see the video by clicking here

At the end of the video you are invited to view this video that explains the meaning of the word, Hallelujah.  Hallelujah—Hebrew for “Praise ye the Lord.” But what does it really mean? This Easter, find out how an ancient exclamation of joy, hope, and love is inseparably connected to the life and mission of Jesus Christ—and His promise of new life for all.

You can also see the video by clicking here 

Jesu, the Very Thought is Sweet

I enjoyed watching Elder Richard G. Scott's funeral this past week.  As I listened to this song that was sung at his funeral, I felt so much peace.  After you listen to this song, I'm sure you will agree with me.  

You can also see the song by clicking here.  

I showed this clip from the funeral to my seminary class the next day.  Elder Scott's son, Michael W. Scott beautifully describes the type of person his father was by using the scripture mastery scripture found in  Abraham 3:22-23.

You can see the above click by clicking here.  

You can see the whole funeral by clicking here.   

The funeral program starts at 19:30 on the funeral video  

Rally 'Round the Flag - Richard Elliott

This performance by Richard Elliot is a Magnusson favorite.  Enjoy!

You can also see the video by clicking here.  

On a Wonderful Day Like Today

When I was a little girl, my mom played for a trio of lady singers.  If my memory serves me right, the singers were Rea Rader, Lacy Fitzgerald, and Karen Mortensen.   They sang many fun songs.  A couple from my memory are:  On a Clear Day, and On a Wonderful Day Like Today.  Whenever I hear any song that the group sang, it immediately brings me back to my childhood.

I was brought back to my childhood as I was listened to the Pioneer Day Program that aired this weekend.

You can also hear the song by clicking here.  

This is a picture of my mom and dad that was taken
about the time that my mom played for the trio.

Thanks for the great memories, Mom!

Magnificent Seven

One of Scott's favorite songs is the theme song from Magnificent Seven.  It was great to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform the song as they opened their 2015 Pioneer Day program on Saturday.

This is a picture of Scott enjoying the song. 

You can also listen to the song by clicking here.  

Blessed, Honored, Pioneer

This year in seminary we spent some time studying the pioneers.  

Here are a few songs that honor our pioneer heritage.

Faith in Every Footstep can also be found  here.

They the Builders of the Nations is the first song in the program of Music and the Spoken Word that can be found here.

Come, Come Ye Saints was sung at the 2015 Pioneer Day Concert

You can also find the video by clicking here.

The Handcart Song 2015

You can find the song by clicking here. 

Are you sad? Listen to this HAPPY Medley!

Frozen's Santin Fontana was the guest artist at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2014 Summer Celebration of Song Concert.  The last number was a series of songs about being happy.   Enjoy!  

You can also listen to the song by clicking here  

Santino Fontana and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

I enjoyed watching the Pioneer Day Concert this past July on my computer.  I didn't know much about the guest singer, Broadway singer and actor, Santino Fontana before seeing the concert.  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's webpage describes him as:  The artist who brought magic to life as Prince Hans in Disney's blockbuster film Frozen.

This video help me learn a little more about Santino and his thoughts and impressions of singing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

You can also view this video by clicking here.  

You can see the the entire concert by clicking here. Enjoy!

Richard Elliott and The Orchestra at Temple Square Plays: Hot Pipes

I enjoyed watching the 2014 Pioneer Day Concert via the Internet.  As I watched it, I really enjoyed listening to Richard Elliot and The Orchestra at Temple Square play Hot Pipes.

  You can see the whole concert by clicking here.  

Hot Pipes starts at 48 minutes

If you were impressed with Richard Elliott's organ playing skills, you can  read an article about him by clicking here.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Richard Elliott joined the Church in his early twenties in 1980.
• In 1991 he became a full-time Tabernacle organist.
• In 2008 a potentially career-threatening arm injury led him to develop the footwork for which he is becoming known.