Come, Follow Me - Additional Music Study Guide
As our meeting have been cut down we don't have as much time for music to add to our meetings. So I have been looking for ways to bring music into my personal and family studying. I wanted to share my passion for music with others and maybe I can provide a different insight to the things you study each week. These are things I have learned and discovered and I'd love to hear from you in the things that have helped you and your family.
ABOUT
This blog is here to add to the weekly study of Come, Follow Me. Because music is not a part of a lot of our worship meeting any longer I felt it was important to add this into my daily and weekly study of scriptures and doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints.
I began adding these posts to my Ward bulletin after I was called as the Ward Music Chair and Sacrament Meeting Music Director. I had thought about this a lot last year and once I had this calling and was a part of the music needed in our meetings I felt I had things to add to others study experience. Thus began this blog!
I guess I've been slacking a bit with this blog. I have a few things going on and I apologize. I will make up for it this coming week. As for today, I wanted to share a personal event taking place right now. Yes, my husband and I are celebrating our 24th Anniversary!!!!! Can't believe we made it 24 years and our son is a high school graduate this year! TIME TO CELEBRATE!!!
WOW! We made it! 24 years
together on the 24th of May. What an accomplishment! And to top it off, our son
graduates, I guess you can call it that! Graduation is officially on June 4th
for him. (I believe that was the date I graduated from high school too!)
This was May 24,
2005, our last family picture, I think
The section about “applying my heart to understanding God’s word” is so pertinent today and from the early foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many people, good people, can quote scriptures and speak of the commandments and Bible stories yet that’s all it is. They teach the right things but it isn’t “written in their hearts”. The teachings are good but until it is in their hearts and until they truly ‘understand” God they are just words. But we need to speak the words and then follow the words. Keep the commandment, follow Christs’ example and truly be His disciple by taking all He taught, and still teaches, into your hearts and stand as His example and act as He did and would.
We learn this week how the Lord will bless and sustain us as we do His work. We can all do His work in our own ways. We don’t all have to go on a mission and serve for 2 years just to show the Lord we are doing His work. We can do His work everyday by how we treat one another and how we live our life in line with His teachings.
With all of this, we must each look into OUR hearts. What should we be doing or should we change to do better and truly show the Lord what is written in our hearts? What does your heart look like? How can we help others around us learn for themselves what we know to be true? It’s not going to be easy, nor is it supposed to be, but what little thing can we do now to lead and help others to know of Christs’ teachings? I’m grateful for this knowledge that IS in my heart. I’m not perfect and I’m so thankful the Lord knows this, but I will keep trying to be better. I will continue to be whom the Lord expects me to be.
As we live in this world where there may be much uncertainty for some I truly look forward to the day,
hopefully very soon, we can join together in worshipping out Lord and Savior again. On that day my heart will be filled with this beautiful hymn about the wonders and blessing of a Sabbath day!
Sabbath Day (Hymn #148)
Help each to work a quiet hour To read thy word and feel thy pow’r,
To hear thy voice, through small and still, Renew our strength to
do thy will.
Father, on this he Sabbath day, Be with us in our hearts, we pray.
WOW!! What a message for us today. At this time in the world we need to remember this. We
are all captive to only ourselves as we don’t know all that the Lord knows. He
knew this would happen. He knew what people would do and how they would react. I know He knows what we will each do from this day on as well but it’s up to us ultimately. We choose what we do and how we come out of all of this.
Ammon went in search of the “lost Nephites” and what he found was them in captivity
because of their iniquities. What is holding us back or what are our
iniquities? I’m grateful for the Atonement and for the gift of repentance that
we received because of the Atonement. I’m grateful for a living prophet and for
the knowledge that he speaks with God and Christ and that I can gain my own confirmation of what is true by speaking to Christ myself.
Through these chapters in Mosiah we learn also that choices will influence our future and those who may come into our lives. We can influence generations….so what choices will you make that will influence your posterity? Is it for their good? What changes can you make today to make a positive influence on future generations?
We may never know how our choices impact those who come after usbut how do we want to be remembered? Our choices today, just as the Nephites of old, will help guide and direct those who come after us. I am grateful for this knowledge and all that the Nephites, throughout the Book of Mormon, have taught me what is necessary to come closer to Christ.
Here is music for this week. What choices are you making each day to better yourself, your family, and your posterity? Be sure to write down your thoughts for your record and to help in your weekly study!
Choose the right! Choose the right! Let wisdom mark the way before.
In its light, choose the right! And God will bless you evermore.
This weeks study is a renewal and a change. Just as the messages recently from our church and political leaders have been. Our prophet has been providing us with lots of directions from the Savior as to how to prepare ourselves in this life which we live. We have recently had a special worldwide day of fasting and prayer. We all strive to have the faith to move mountains and even if that never happens we still know that God, our Father in Heaven, with His Son, Jesus Christ, are in charge of the world in which we live. We hope things will turn out how we want yet we know they may not and we always work to accept Their will in all things.
King Benjamin taught the people and the words the people heard were so powerful that the people desired to change to be more in line with what Father in Heaven desired for them. King Benjamin told the people of all the many great blessing the Lord has for them if only they would follow His teachings and strive always to be more Christlike. Make the changes in their lives which are necessary to be in tune with the Holy Spirit. Even the people in his time lacked faith at times and felt they couldn't measure up to what was expected. But the Lord only expects us to do our part no matter how small and simple that may be at times. He knows us. He knows our heart.
King Benjamin reminded the people that no matter where they come from, no matter their heritage, they are ALL one, the children of God, people of Christ. We must live more with that mindset. It's easy to forget this sometimes but that's why we continue to study and learn what the Lord needs us to know and learn!
In our study of Mosiah 5:1-7: "The spirit of the Lord can cause a mighty change in my heart." We may struggle with thoughts of not being able to change or lacking faith that we can change but here is what our prophet today has said, with the same strength and power as King Benjamin. "We can change our behavior. Our very desires can change...True change-permanent change-can come only through the healing, cleansing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. ...The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of change!" (Decisions for Eternity, Ensign, Nov. 2013, 108).
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the *worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the *rolling thunder, Thy pow'r thru-out the universe displayed;
When thru the woods and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze,
And when I think that God, his Son not sparring, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, mu burden gladly bearing, He bled and died o take away my sin,
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation, and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration and there proclaim, "My God, how great thou art!"
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee, How great thou art! HOW GREAT THOU ART!
This weeks study took an interesting direction for me. I really pondered
on the words of King Benjamin and on the experiences of last weekend. We just had
the opportunity to do just as Mosiah asked the people in his day to do. We gathered
to hear the words of our Heavenly Father through our prophets of today. When I
saw the introduction for this weeks study I realized just how important keeping
records of our own personal “spiritual impressions” are. Not only will this act
record things that are important to us but it will forever provide amazing
insight for us in years to come as well as to our posterity. Writing our
personal thoughts and impressions is our “plates of Lehi” (insert your
name).
Taken directly from our study guide for this coming week: Like all great leaders in the kingdom of God, King
Benjamin’s words and example point us to the Heavenly King, who is the Savior,
Jesus Christ. King Benjamin testified that Jesus came “down from heaven” and
went “forth amongst men, working mighty miracles.” April 13–19. Mosiah 1–3 Even way back then the
people “gathered together” to hear the word of the Lord. They didn’t have the
technology we do today so the prophet sent forth teachers to teach to smaller
groups. Today we have Stakes and Wards or Branches to help keep the Word of
Christ alive.
On this Easter morning I am
grateful for all I have especially my faith. I know these times are bleak and
glooming. I’m sure I’m not the only one tired of the government imposed “isolation”
but I can ponder on the memories of the past as well as the HOPE for a brighter
future. This too is a “season” and will pass, although it feels like forever
before it does.
I am ready to stand up and
shout my praises to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on this glorious day. NO
ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY! I may be shammed by unbelievers. I may be oppressed by illnesses
or governments. But I will NEVER deny my faith and belief in Jesus Christ and my
loving, kind, and gracious Father in Heaven! God the Father and His Son, Jesus
Christ, together deserve more than praise once or twice a year. All that I have
has come by and through Them. They created me and this wonderful world in which
we all live and how can we, I, repay that? The only way is to “always remember”!
I would be nothing if it weren’t for Them.
This is a longer post than I’d
planned but I do know this is my way of recording on my “plates of Lehi”. I cannot
deny what I know to be true. I will not apologize for possibly offending others
because of what I know to be true. I will be civil and polite to others who may
not believe as I but I expect others to do the same for me. I love my Elder
Brother and personal Savior, Jesus Christ. He created the world in which I live
with all of you and He blesses each of us every day with the things we stand in
need of. He will never leave any of us alone, although at times we may feel
alone. He is with us, in our hearts. We can cry on His shoulder and plead with
Him to relieve our sorrows. He is always listening and knows our hearts. He
loves us and I am grateful to KNOW this to be true!
As
we study this week and prepare for a wonderfully, inspired General Conference
we need to ponder on the name of our church and whom governs the church. Our
Father in Heaven is the one who leads and directs His church on earth today.
Our Savior and Elder Brother gave His life so we can all return to our loving
Father and heavenly home. May we all open our hearts and minds to gain the
knowledge and understanding that is meant for us as we keep the commandments
and follow, and listen to, our humble Prophet and the Apostles of the Lord. Enjoy
family and friends as we gather in our home or meeting houses to learn what the
Lord needs us to hear. What a great blessing this is for us all! Hymn #199
He is Risen!
He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three
days’ prison;
Yonder glorious morning
ray,
And a brighter Easter beam
Christ has won the victory.
AMEN!
April 12, 2020
Easter
2020 is very different from any Easter I’ve ever experienced in my life. It
means we will not be able to meet together with other Saints to celebrate and
worship our Savior’s resurrection. This doesn’t mean we don’t ponder on these
things but it does mean that we all have an opportunity to personalize these
things for oneself and our families. This is actually an amazing opportunity. After spending last weekend listening to our living prophet and apostles I was given direction and was reminded of the many things I've been taught all my life. I love the fact that every April and October I have the privilege to renew and gain new perspective.
I am grateful for a prophet who receives direct revelation from our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for my Savior. I am grateful for His sacrifice
for me.
As
we listen to our Prophets voice may we find our personal witness of what the
Lord wants us to know. Our Prophet recently asked us all to “Hear Him!” How do
you #hearhim? We all have our own ways of hearing Him or knowing when something
is coming from Him. Spend time this week as you study, pondering how your
Father in Heaven speaks to you! It’s amazing the things you will hear when you
truly listen. Sometime you may hear them in a smile from someone, or someone
holing a door open for you, or paying it forward in the drive-thru. Or maybe
it’s in a verse of scripture that gives you a warm, peaceful feeling. Anytime
this week when your heart smiles remind yourself of the sweet message your
Father is sending. Write these wonderful experiences down and maybe share an
experience with a family member, friend, or someone the Lord may prompt you to
share with.
Consider
the simple words from a beautiful Primary hymn #228 “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”
Whenever I hear the song
of a bird Or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain
on my face Or the wind as it rushes by,
Whenever I touch a velvet
rose Or walk by our lilac tree,
I’m glad that I live in
this beautiful world Heav’nly Father created for me.
He gave me my eyes that I
might see The color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I
might hear The magical sound of things.
He gave me my life, my
mind, my heart; I thank him rev’rently
For all his creations, of
which I’m a part. Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.
Search,
Ponder, and Pray Are the things that I must do. The Spirit will guide, and, deep inside, I’ll know the
scriptures are true. Primary Hymn #109
A Child's Prayer #12
Pray,
he is there; Speak, he is list’ning. You are his child; His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer; He loves the children, Of such is the kingdom, the
kingdom of heav’n.
Our
children have a lot to teach us and as we study individually or as a family we
can turn to the little ones. There simple words sometimes are what we really
need to hear and ponder on! We KNOW our Father listens and will speak to us. Consider
these words as well: (Hymn#26)
Humbly
kneeling, sweet appealing—‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer—
Joseph’s
humble prayer was answered, And he listened to the Lord.
O,
what rapture filled his bosom, For he saw the living God;
But
undaunted, still he trusted In his Heav’nly Father’s care.
As
you study Come, Follow Me, individually or with your family, consider its
purpose. We are being taught how to be more Christlike and to stand for truth
and righteousness. We are t alone in this goal nor does our Heavenly Father
want us to join Him alone. We are all in this together and in that right we ALL
ARE GOD’S ARMY. One of the best, most encouraging hymns will help us in this
living quest. Join together and bring others into this glorious heavenly army,
in other words heavenly family! Really take to heart the words of hymn #251,
Behold! A Royal Army. I LOVE this hymn for many reasons but the chorus is the
most powerful, spiritual motivator!
Victory, victory, Thru him
that redeemed us!
Victory, victory, Thru
Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Victory, victory, victory,
Thru Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen and Amen!!!!!
(This isn't my favorite version but I can't find one I like..this is the best. However, I directed a small but awesome choir in Atlanta, Georgia and we sang this hymn for Ward Conference. It was a wonderful version and the Stake President mentioned how great it was and even said that " Gladys Knight would be proud'!)
March 8, 2020 After
receiving whatever spiritual promptings from Stake Conference, pondering on
those things as you study the following week. You will learn new and/or more
things about the Holy Ghost and following the example of Christs’ example and
life. He has provided a way for ALL of us to return to our heavenly home. Hymn
#219, Because I Have Been Given Much, reminds us of our many blessings and from
whom they come.
Because I have been
blessed by thy great love, dear Lord.
I’ll share thy love again,
according to thy word.
I shall give love to those
in need; I’ll show that love by word and deed:
As
you study this coming week pay special attention to any promptings you receive.
Focus on the importance of our eternal blessings that come from
following Christs’ example and becoming more like Him. Consider the hymn “Come,
Follow Me”, (#116) as well. Study all 6 verses. “…This beautiful hymn has a
distinctively Latter-day Saint emphasis: if we emulate the Savior throughout
this earthly life, ours will be the opportunity to acquire even more of His
attributes in the life to come.”
Hymn #259
can speak for itself and provides uplifting and comforting fervor and we
preserve in our calling as Christs’ representatives here on earth. Feel the
POWER that strengthens us as we sing this hymn! And prepare to sing this
together as a Ward family!!
As we
strengthen ourselves and our families to “Come, Follow Me” we must find our
beliefs and our relationship with the Savior. Consider the hymn #134 I Believe
in Christ. As you listen to the to the music also closely to the words and
learn of the truthfulness for yourself. As you do you will KNOW and feel it in
your heart!
As we ponder on our studies
this week, whether religious, school, or work, we should consider the sweet and
precious words to a precious children’s hymn (#74, I Feel My Savior’s Love).
May our personal and family prayers echo these simple words:
In studying Come, Follow Me this week take the words from the
beautiful, prophetic hymn #27 Praise to the Man, into your heart. Our prophet
who was blessed to bring forth the restoration gave his life for the
truthfulness of this glorious gospel. We need to remember all he did so that we
may have the gospel of Jesus Christ in these Latter-days!
Teach or remind ourselves and all we love of this poignant hymn
with such a message of truth and wisdom from not too long ago.
This week study and focus
on the words to another Primary Hymn #120: Nephi’s Courage. Nephi is another amazing
example for us to emulate, in particular as we strive to return to our Father
in Heaven.
“The Lord gives us commandments and asks us to obey.
Sometimes I am tempted to choose another way.
When I’m discouraged, and think I cannot try,
I will be courageous, and I will reply:
‘I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.
I will go; I will do the thing the Lord commands.
I know the Lord provides a way; he wants me to obey.’”
As we begin a new year of the
new Church program to study as individual, families and Ward families we need
to add more to our studying. The church has now provided a supplement with a
suggestion of hymns and Primary music to go along with our study. As a Ward
we’d like to add to this, especially as we now only have music/singing in our
Sacrament meeting.
This week, as we study,
consider the words from our Primary Hymn #109: Search, Ponder, and Pray
I
love to read the holy scriptures, And, ev’ry time I do,
I
feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart---
