Sunday, July 13, 2014

The Iron Rod


In the Book of Mormon we read of a dream of the prophet Lehi depicting a narrow path to the tree of life. Leading to the tree is an iron rod which represents the word of God. This rod directs through clouds of darkness, rugged ways, dangerous waters, and sneering, mocking, and ridicule from haughty onlookers. The message was and is simple, we need to "press [our] way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until [we come] forth and [fall] down and [partake] of the fruit of the tree." (1 Ne 8:30).

Many things may entice us to let go of the rod: pride, independence, fear, apathy. Whatever the reason, we need to remember to hold fast to the security of the word of God. If we loose our grip of the rod and stray for a time, we must turn back and return to our place of security. Keep in mind the goal of our journey here, to reach the "golden rest" which is eternal life with our Father in Heaven, our family, and other loved ones.

In this arrangement of The Iron Rod for four-part choir, you will hear a verse depicting the sorrow, hardships, and darkness that we will go through in this life. But this somber verse is followed by the hopeful, stirring 5th verse.  While almost never sung, it provides us a reminder of the goal of our journey:

And when temptation's pow'r is nigh,
Our pathway clouded o'er,
Upon the rod we can rely,
And heaven's aid implore.

Afar we see the golden rest
To which the rod will guide,
Where, with the angels bright and blest,
Forever we'll abide.


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Peace of the Spirit


A couple years ago, a friend of mine approached me and asked if I would arrange a hymn medley that her relief society could sing.  As I thought about which hymns to include, I settled on three that have always brought me a spirit of peace, Where Can I Turn for Peace?, Abide With Me, and I Feel My Savior's Love.  In the world there seems to be a never-ending supply of confusion and controversy regarding one thing or another.  I am thankful that through it all I can enjoy the peace of the spirit.  It calms my worries and helps me accept that I don't have all of the answers.  "Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.  My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep" (2 Ne 19-20).  He continues to do so and will continue to do so.  

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart,
Searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows,
Where, when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand?
He, only One.

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.

You will hear strings here because MIDI strings sound better than MIDI voices.  Imagine a women's chorus is singing.