So I was asked to give the Music Moment on Sunday. I didn't really know what that was until they explained it to me but I'm excited. So I've been thinking about some of my favorite hymns and realized that it was a pretty long list. But I have narrowed it down to one favorite which is "Have I Done Any Good." This is my favorite hymn because of the beautiful melody, inspiring lyrics, and mostly a personal experience. I remember growing up in my teen years and often finding refuge from my parents at Grandpa's house. I would go over there and complain that my parents were too strict and wanted to ruin my life. I remember one specific day where I was complaining to Grandpa and he suddenly cut me off and started singing "Have I Done Any Good." I was a little frustrated at first but then it made me laugh. Ever since then, "Have I Done Any Good" has been my favorite! It was a good lesson so that I should focus on serving others than complaining.
Does anyone else have a favorite hymn?
That's so funny! That was the first song that came to my mind too. Because I remember Grandpa singing or humming that song while we washed and dried dishes together at the cabin. He always washed and I always dried. He said that since Grandma cooked, it was his job to clean.
ReplyDeleteI have had lots of really neat spiritual experiences with hymns / Primary songs, so it would be hard to pick a favorite. Some include: "We'll Bring the World His Truth," "Count Your Blessings," "We Thank Thee, O God, for Prophet," and "I Am a Child of God." I have had some powerful spiritual experiences associated with each one. I think that Heavenly Father often communicates with me through sacred music.
Here's a cool talk on the subject: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/the-nourishing-power-of-hymns?lang=eng. (He visited our mission and gave a more extended version of this talk.)
When Elder and Sis Cook came and spoke to my mission Sis Cook spoke about music. She mentioned the hymn Savior May I Learn to Love Thee. The lyrics say,
ReplyDeleteWho am I to judge another
When I walk imperfectly?
In the quiet heart is hidden
Sorrow that the eye can't see.
Who am I to judge another?
Lord, I would follow thee.
The author, Susan McCloud, here refers to an experience when a close friend's newborn baby passed away. Susan went with the grieving mother to buy a small white gown to bury the baby in. The jovial store attendant had no idea of the hidden sorrow and assumed it was for a baby blessing. Now its not one of my favorite hymns but it struck me how little we know about others when we judge them.
One of my favorite hymns is I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord. Chile is famous for producing grapes and wine, so I literally got to work in las viñas. And the theme really spoke to me on my mission because I was transferred frequently. I also love that it states "I will be what You want me to be" -not just go and do, but BE.
I love the hymn I Believe in Christ. My favorite phrase is "ye shall obtain". Whatever it is we seek, peace, forgiveness, faith or any specific blessing, He promises we shall obtain.
Two favorites: I LOVE Lord, I Would Follow Thee. The therapist, and human in me, love thinking about "the healer's art" and "sorrow that the eye can't see". It reminds me of ways that I, as a therapist and person, want to follow the example of the Master Healer.
ReplyDeleteI love the song Help Me Teach With Inspiration. I was first exposed to it when I was asked my my stake YW president, Sister Jill Adair (this was when I was a youth, by the way) to play the piano at a stake leadership training meeting and that was one of the songs. I love the lyrics. I love the petition to "help me Lord to be a shepherd; Father help me feed my sheep". It has really informed how I view leadership and is something I think of often in my current calling.
Can I add this one?
ReplyDeleteI feel like it is an Ellsworth Family anthem, (of course there is the obvious Mesa High reference). But I just love the poetry of it, firm as mountains, singing deserts. I think of my ancestors, distant and still living, and the rock they planted I consider to be the temple, or the testimonies of their posterity that they helped foster. The heritage they left us is seriously more valuable than gold or worldly wealth.
1. Firm as the mountains around us,
Stalwart and brave we stand
On the rock our fathers planted
For us in this goodly land—
The rock of honor and virtue,
Of faith in the living God.
They raised his banner triumphant—
Over the desert sod.
[Chorus]
And we hear the desert singing:
Carry on, carry on, carry on!
Hills and vales and mountains ringing:
Carry on, carry on, carry on!
Holding aloft our colors,
We march in the glorious dawn.
O youth of the noble birthright,
Carry on, carry on, carry on!
2. We'll build on the rock they planted
A palace to the King.
Into its shining corridors,
Our songs of praise we'll bring,
For the heritage they left us,
Not of gold or of worldly wealth,
But a blessing everlasting
Of love and joy and health.
I love the Primary song "If the Savior Stood Beside Me". Maybe it is because I've heard it so often this year, but it pops into my mind all the time and helps me make slightly better choices. If nothing else, it also helps me think about the Savior during my day.
ReplyDelete1. If the Savior stood beside me,
would I do the things I do?
Would I think of His commandments,
and try harder to be true?
Would I follow His example?
Would I live more righteously
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?
2. If the Savior stood beside me,
would I say the things I say?
Would my words be true and kind
if He was never far away?
Would I try to share the gospel?
Would I speak more rev’rently
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me?
3. He is always near me,
though I do not see Him there,
And because He loves me dearly,
I am in His watchful care.
So I’ll be the kind of person
that I know I’d like to be
if I could see the Savior standing nigh,
watching over me.
This is one of my favorites as well. I have the sheet music, and going to the piano at the Institute Building and playing it (and sometimes singing it aloud if no one is around) is a go-to for me if I need to feel the peace of the Spirit.
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