For those of you that are involved with your ward choir or are a music coordinator, this is a must-have resource. The book 60 Favorite Hymns from the Inspirational Music Showcase is full of appropriate and recognizable Hymns in inspiring and thoughtful arrangements for Sacrament Meeting or other memorable occasions. And at LDSMusicNow, you can either purchase the entire book (for $35.00) or purchase each arrangement separately for $2.00/each. THis cost-effective and convenient method may be the perfect resource for your and your ever-changing choir.

You can check it out and buy your next ward choir arrangement by clicking here.

Remembering loved ones that have passed away is always bittersweet. Of course we find joy in the memories we have of them, but we also find sadness because they are gone. But it is always reassuring that we know where they are and that we can see them again.

We had a young nephew pass away in our family just a couple years ago. It was unexpected and hard for us all to cope with the reality of the situation. Since his life was cut short, it seems the few years of memories we had are slowly fading.

But the one thing about his death that is really sticks out to me is a song we sang at is funeral. It was the Primary theme song from the year 2009. It is called “The Family is of God” (listen to it by clicking the link with that title on this page.) I hum that song and appreciate what I know and that we will see him again.

I hope that you can enjoy your Memorial Day and the things that remind you of your loved ones that aren’t here but we will see again.

I have a story that leads to a valid point, I promise! But first you need to know a couple things about me:

• I have played an instrument since I can remember. I started with the piano when I was young (I think around age 7) and moved on to the flute when I was 11.
• When I was 9 they changed the boundary lines and I was forced to go to a different elementary school.
• I never really thought (and kinda still do) I could sing very well. And that lead to me thinking those that could sing well came by it naturally.

So one of the things I did in my childhood mid-life crisis (when I switched elementary schools) was try out for the school play to try and make new friends. The play was Snow White and I was certain I wouldn’t get a speaking part, I just wanted to make new friends.

The morning of the audition came. I had practiced and practiced the excerpt of the script I knew was fit for me. There was also some song I needed to sing for the judges, but I didn’t pay much attention. I knew I wasn’t good at it anyway. But when I got to the school, my new-found friend Jodie was kind enough to talk to me about my audition. One thing lead to another, and before I knew it she had me practicing my audition song for her. I knew it was terrible, but I somehow got through however much she wanted me to sing. Then she started giving me feedback and telling me how I could work on certain areas. I still remember thinking how crazy she was for critiquing my voice; I mean, it’s awful. But as we kept practicing, I sang a line and it actually sounded GOOD. I was stunned! Who knew that you needed to (or even COULD!) practice vocals!

Now, looking back, it’s hysterical to think that it didn’t occur to me that we practiced singing during Primary every week. And when my dad went to choir practice after  church, what did I think that meant?

Anyway, I wish you well during your vocal practices at church this week!

Did your parents sing you lullabies? Both of my children were soothed almost instantly when I began to sing to them. I usually sung songs from the Children’s Songbook like I am a Child of God or A Child’s Prayer. I would also put on soft music as they were falling asleep like The Postal Service or slower U2 songs. I also loved to sing La La Lu from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp. We also made up songs that use the chid’s name and nickname. They always wanted me to sing those over and over.

I don’t really remember a specific song that my mom would sing as I was falling asleep. I wonder if my children will remember me singing; but we all know how much parents do that children don’t remember. That is why we become parents; we have no idea what work is expected until we’re in the middle of it!

What about you? What do you remember about your parents singing to you? We feature a great lullaby album “Lullabies of Jesus” here on LDSMusicNow by Roger and Melanie Hoffman. You can see and download it here.

We talk a lot about the music we like to listen to; whether it be from the Hymn book or from a featured LDSMusicNow artist, but the last few weeks I have been fascinated by the power of the Primary songs.

My little boy just turned 4, so he has only been a Sunbeam for a few months. They sing songs in nursery, of course, but the dedicated amount of singing time every Sunday has really impacted not only his life, but our entire home. For instance, we have a program in our Primary and we sing “Scripture Power” every Sunday. It totally melts my heart when he goes around the house during the week singing it. Last Sunday he asked me if we are going to sing it before we got to church. I love that he gets the doctrine and the fun at the same time.

But the way and time we learn Primary songs is not coincidental. I still remember several of the songs from my childhood. And now that I am the teacher and trying to teach rest of them doctrinal concepts, I know the children can always connect with the songs.

What about you? How have songs from the Children’s Songbook impacted you and your home?

Hey LDS Music fans: check out the Jimmer Fredette National Player of the Year poster! For only $14.95 — with free shipping — you can enjoy a great custom-designed poster that was created in celebration of Jimmer’s record-setting career and award-winning season.

• 24×36″ on high-quality paper
• includes printed signature
• protective satin coating
• exclusive & only authorized poster

Watch the “Making of the Poster” video at the studio with Jimmer and photographer Doug Martin by clicking here. Hurry and buy yours today!

If you don’t subscribe to our newsletter, you should! We send it out once a week and always include the information on our free download of the week, our newest content and even our discounts and specials. It is easy to sign up (just click on this link) and enter your email address. It’s that simple! We never sell your address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

You can also keep in touch with us on Facebook and Twitter.

I attended a baptism today and thoroughly enjoyed the music. I spoke with the bishop afterwards and he brought up how much he loved the music as well. It got me thinking, why do we have music in the Church? I know the reference in D&C 25 that reads, “For my soul ^adelighteth in the ^bsong of the ^cheart; yea, the^dsong of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.” I think I forget it about it and need to remember it more often. Heavenly Father loves music and I know it is a key part of our worship. I’m glad we can all be an online community that appreciates just that!

I am always so excited for General Conference. I love to sit and listen for hours to the clever stories, scripture references and revelation from our leaders and prophets. In Primary this week we passed out some fun children’s activities from the Church website (link here). I’m excited for my little boy to sit for a little while and enjoy those activities.

Growing up we always got up early on Sunday morning and prepared an exciting breakfast. It was exciting because it included my Grandma Rees’ Cinnamon Rolls, something reserved just for General Conference. We also have fruit, scrambled eggs and juice. It is always fun to work together and get it ready before the session starts. When my son was born I was in the hospital over Conference weekend, so my family delivered it to me. I still think of that as the best meal I’ve ever had!

But I thought I would share the recipe with you. They are very dense (with a lot of sugar) when we make them. You can lighten them up by using less ingredients in the middle. We also love to do a cream cheese and raspberry preserve filling. Enjoy your traditions, the speakers, the music and the cinnamon rolls!

Grandma Rees’ Cinnamon Rolls

1-1/2 c. scalded milk, lukewarm
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. margarine
1-1/2 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. dry yeast
3/4 c. warm water
3 eggs
6-3/4 c. flour

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.  Dough will be sticky.  Divide dough into 3 parts.  Roll out one at a time into a rectangle.  Cover with melted margarine, white sugar, cinnamon, and brown sugar.  Roll up on long side.  Cut with dental floss about 3/4″ wide.  Place on cookie sheet and cover.  Let rise until double.  Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.  Spread glaze on top as soon as they come out of the oven.

Glaze

½ cube margarine, melted
½ bag powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
½ tsp. vanilla
enough hot water to make a spreadable consistency