Saturday, July 26, 2014

We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet

We Thank Thee, O God, For A Prophet
easy-intermediate solo PDF
advanced solo PDF ; live audio

Ralph Waldo Emerson taught: "It is the office of a true teacher to show that God is not was, that he speaketh, not spake." It is my testimony and firm belief that we have these true teachers on the earth today, namely prophets and apostles. The words of this hymn is a prayer of gratitude to God for all that He has given us in these latter-days, including prophets who teach, lead, and guide us; the music arrangement is my representation of the gratitude, joy, and excitement, as well as the reverence that I feel every time I think that we have a prophet of God on the earth!

As Moses and Abraham and Peter did before, Thomas Monson fills the holy role as Prophet of God, even His spokesman on the earth. Of course, each of us are to have an intimate and personal relationship with Diety, but with a Prophet who holds the priesthood authority of God- His power and permission- and who has a special endowment of spiritual ability, it is good to know that we truly are led and guided today.

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Henry B. Eyring, Thomas S. Monson, Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Where Can I Turn for Peace?

Where Can I Turn for Peace?
PDF (cello and piano)
PDF (violin and piano)
live recording mp3

This sacred hymn asks the question of where we can go to find peace, joy, and happiness in this life. Where can we find real answers in a world of questions, doubt, and mixed messages from every hand?

"The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled,neither let it be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

I know that through our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can find peace, answers, direction, and hope. He is the Prince of Peace, the Hope of Israel, and the Light of the World.


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Step Up to the Mound

Step Up to the Mound
PDF 

At America's Freedom Festival patriotic service--held on June 29, 2014 in Provo, UT-- Laura Bush, former First Lady, delivered a moving address of America and patriotism. She recounted the events of her husband throwing the first pitch of the World Series in October 2001, just following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. She spoke about how President Bush needed to step up to the mound to give America strength and show that life and this country will go on. She invited us all to "step up to the mound" and stand up for America's ideals and values.

This poem is that story and invitation to all of America, to step up, stand up, and take an active role in preserving America's founding ideals of faith, family, and freedom.


Step Up to the Mound
 (c) 2014 Nathan D. Garlick

The roar of the crowd as heard from below
Is it applause or distain? One never may know.
To throw it too short, they may boo and hiss
To let it bounce off would be a sore miss.

With sweaty palms and the moon shining bright,
He takes his first step under the stadium’s light.
The crowd has a hush, could hear a pin hit the ground,
As this man, all eyes on him, steps up to the mound.

But something’s the matter for him on this day;
“It’s only a pitch, just a game,” you might say.
But more than a game, there’s a country at stake,
And this man, on this day, has decisions to make.

And just as the stars begin to shine overhead,
He steps to the mound, wipes the sweat from his head.
Though it may be a game, it’s a symbol they need
Of a strong, united country, of a land that is free.

So he winds up his pitch, and then lets the ball fly
It soars to the catcher, the crowd stands by.
The sound of the ball in the palm of the mitt
Makes cheers erupt and hearts are lit

With a flame of a hope, of what was could still be
Of a people and land of unmatched opportunity.
The days ahead are more difficult than before;
Big questions, even terrors, knock on our front door.

But no matter the trial, the terror, or threat
That faces this country, we can never forget
That amidst all the jests and the cheers and the crowds
We must take a stand and step up to the mound.