Spiritual Musical Messages

You Can Make The Pathway Bright New Year's Eve is coming! The last year comes to an end, and the new begins. With a new year, we can find hope and optimism through faith in Christ. We can set new goals and plans for a brighter future. In D&C 1:12, the Lord commands us to "prepare..for that which is to come..." Although this was spoken and recorded nearly 200 years ago, that space of time is small in the eyes of God, and His words are just as pertinent for us today. D&C1:17 says, "Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant, Joseph Smith Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments.." He knows what we're going through and He knows what is ahead of us. He has given us counsel and commandments to prepare us and lead us through all of this. Some words of encouragement He gives are, "And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;" ...

Oh Come, All Ye Faithful Wow, Merry Christmas! This Christmas has probably been one of my favorites! (Though I say that almost every year!) But I keep learning more and more each year; especially from my children and their Christlike examples to me. Christmas always has such a "magical" feeling; but that "magic" is simply love. Love of Christ to all of us as He began His descent to this earth where He would grow, learn, serve, suffer, and die for us. Love of God, who loved us so much that "he dgave his eonly begotten fSon, that whosoever gbelieveth in him should not perish, but have heverlasting ilife." This love of Christ to us and the love of God gives us hope and joy and reason to celebrate! Because of Christ, who came to earth, we have a way to return to God. Jesus taught us the sure and simple way to have eternal joy, and Nephi shares that with us in 2 Nephi 31: 20-21, which says, " Wherefore, ye must press forward with a asteadfastness in ...

The story and song of "Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men" with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra. There's so much good in every chapter of Moroni. But something in particular stood out to me this time that I feel is very relevant to this moment we're living in. Moroni 7:5 says, "For I remember the words of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also." There is a lot of confusion and chaos around us right now, especially regarding the leaders, laws, and rights in our Country. Yet, with Mormon's reminder of the simplicity of truth and goodness from God, I find more peace and guidance. Verse 16 reminds us that "the Spirit of Christ is given to every man that he may know good from evil". Despite all the persuasion and pull from every angle, "it is given unto you...that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is plain. "...Whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good and...

Praise to the Lord Ecclesiastes 3 reads: "To every thing there is a aseason, and a btime to every purpose under the heaven: " A atime to be born, and a time to bdie; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; "A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; "A time to weep, and a time to alaugh; a time to bmourn, and a time to dance; "A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;" (Maybe he was seeing our day in this pandemic when he wrote that one! ;) ...Kind of joking....kind of.) "A time to aget, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; " A time to arend, and a time to sew; a time to keep bsilence, and a time to speak; "A time to love, and a time to ahate; a time of war, and a time of peace." Haven't we been feeling ALL of these lately? One thing I know is that Christ ...

Now Let us Rejoice! Aren't we all hping for a better world? What is there to rejoice in, in this crazy year? In reading Ether this week, I learned that if I want God to hear and answer my prayers, I need to pray not just in routine ways with generalized requests or repetition, but rather, with sincere faith and hope in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father and Their power. Believe in Him. Exercise Faith. Moroni counseled in Ether 12:3-4, "Believe in God unto repentance", and "by faith all things are fulfilled-- "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with a surety hope for a better world..." I found personal application to this time, right now, in verse 4. "Hope [for a better world] cometh of faith [and] maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast,always abounding in good works, being led by God" (Ether 12:4). Moroni encourages us to be patient. "Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore,di...

President Nelson's message on the Power of Gratitude This week is probably one of my favorites every year as it gives me a reminder to give thanks and reflect on all the blessings from Heavenly Father! Gratitude is a channel to greater happiness. Here are a few scriptures from The Book of Mormon on gratitude. "Thanksgiving shall be found in Zion" "Live in Thanksgiving daily" Alma 34:38 "Do all things with prayer and thanksgiving." D&C 46:7 This last week, President Nelson shared a special message on gratitude, along with a prayer and invitation for each of us. Please hear his council. (also attached is a link to a song of Thanksgiving I enjoy.) I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and all the ENDLESS miracles and blessings it brings! I am so grateful for loving parents who taught me the Gospel not only by word, but especially through their examples. I'm thankful for our savior Jesus Christ and His infinite atonement to ...

I'll go where you Want me to Go, sung by the Tabernacle Choir Jared and his brother were in a unique situation, unlike anything the world had ever experienced. The languages of all the people were suddenly changed, their city was being destroyed, and people were scattering all over. I feel like Jared saw this with optimism and hope when he asked his brother to, "Cry unto the Lord". He told his brother to ask the Lord not to confound their language, nor their friends' and families' language. "And inquire of the Lord whether he will drive us out of the land... And who knoweth... But the Lord will carry us forth into a land which is choice above all other lands." With this faith and optimism, the brother of Jared prayed for guidance and, as we read in Ether 1-6, his faith led him to receive great revelation from God. He led his family to a new land, he received instruction to build unique bar just across the waters. His faith grew and became so strong tha...

I believe in Christ, Tabernacle Symphony & Choir I know Jesus Christ lives. I have seen His hand in my life every day. I have felt the Spirit testify that he lives. I feel his love all around me. Especially and the beautiful eyes of my children, and in the love of those around me. Mormon 7:5-10 says: 5 "Believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up. 6 And he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead, whereby man must be raised to stand before his judgment-seat. 7 And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the...

Tabernacle Choir singing, "I Stand All Amazed" All of Mormon ch. 1-6 are an account of the wars in Mormon's life, with around 54 years as a leader of the armies. He describes this time as, "a continual scene of wickedness and abominations", "and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land". It was over half a century of gruesome war and evil....yet... even in the midst of this, the Lord still loved them and tried to persuade them to repent. Mormon 3:2 says, "and it came to pass that the Lord did say unto me..." ( this is after about 30 years of war already) "...Cry unto this people-- repent ye, and come unto me, and be ye baptized, and build up again my church, and ye shall be spared." How could a people who were so wicked turn around? Does God truly think they could listen to him? What about us? Does he ask us ever to do something that is impossible? Have you ever done something or had a weakness or cha...

The Tabernacle choir and Orchestra performing The Lord is My Sheperd. Jesus Christ is the true path to happiness and Jesus Christ is the true path to happiness and peace in this life and the life to come. Follow him. "Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you—that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. "And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil— "And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me, that they may be judged according to their works. "And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shal...

I suppose I never had a faith crisis on the topic of tithing as I've heard of others experiencing in their lives--especially at a point of their initial conversion. I've always been fast to pay my tithing FIRST. And I can tell you story after story of the miracles and blessings that have come from following this commandment. Jesus Christ said, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house; and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Now, if this sounds too good to be true, I'm also reminded of Moroni' s words. "I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." ...

Direction through Jesus Christ. Earlier this week, I was in quite a rush of constant motion with endless tasks in my mind... and in my sink and laundry baskets. I wasn't necessarily stressed or worn down at the moment, but I was caught by surprise when, at the end of the day, I took a minute to breathe and started reading a conference talk. There was a picture of Christ. When I looked at the picture , I felt a reminder in my heart that, of all things to focus on or worry about, this was the most important one. My relationship with Jesus Christ and where I am putting my daily efforts and thoughts towards are significant details which will determine where I go in life. Am I running in circles like a rat on wheel? Or, although very busy with life's demands, am I striving to focus on Jesus Christ through daily scripture study, prayer, and keeping my baptismal Covenants? When Jesus visited the Nephites, He instituted the sacrament among them and taught them its meaning. When we...

This is a musical video of The Family Proclamation In her 2015 talk, "Defenders of the Family Proclamation", Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson said, "The sanctity of the home an the essential purposes of the family are being questioned, criticized, and assaulted on every front." "When Gordon B. Hinkley first read "The Family: A Proclamation to the world", ...[little] did we realize then how very desperately we would need these basic declarations in today's world as the criteria by which we should judge each new wind of worldly dogma coming at us." (The rest of the talk is powerful. I'd encourage you to read it fully! [link @ bottom]). Every word of The Family Proclamation is potent! We need to know this and have our own testimony of its truth and doctrine in our hearts and minds so that when we are confronted, and our morals, values, eths and beliefs are challenged, we instantly recall the tuths of The Family Proclamation. With God on our side...

Like this song of a little child portrays, we can open our hearts to hear Jesus and learn to be like Him. To become ONE with Christ. 3 Nephi 9:15-22 says, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ the son of God. I created the heavens and the Earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the father from the beginning. I am in the father and the father in me; and in me hath the father glorified his name. " Therefore, whosoever repented and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and I've taken it up again; therefore, repent and come unto me all ye ends of the earth and be saved." The word "one", as Russel T. Osguthorpe illustrated in a BYU Women's Conference, "embodies some of the most important truths of the restoration." " consider the following phrases: one heart, one mind, one Spirit, One Soul, one body, One Faith, one baptism, one fold, one Shepherd, o...

We Listen To A Prophet's Voice with the Tabernacle Choir. I love reading the scriptures! I am filled every time! Perhaps it's to help prepare me for General Conference in a few weeks, but I keep finding this same message lately: The prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are true prophets called of God. The scriptures are filled as prophecies from prophets since the beginning of time. These prophecies we're given under the direction of Jesus Christ and were fulfilled even as they were told (see 3Nephi 1:4, 13-22; 5:1-2; 6:20; 7:15-26). I know it's the same today. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We have a living prophet on the earth today, Pres. Russell M. Nelson, who guides and prophesies and cries repentance under the direction of Jesus Christ. We can learn from these chapters ( 3Nephi 1-7) very clearly, the consequences of listening or not listening to the prophets. 3Nephi 6:5 says, "And now there was nothing in all the la...

"Come Unto Jesus" (This isn't the original hymn arrangement as we might hear in sacrament meeting, but I felt it shares a beautiful illustration of what Christ teaches us, as could be seen in our everyday lives. I hope you enjoy it.) Samuel, the Lamanite prophet. When I read his words, I can hear in my mind his conviction and the powerful voice of the Lord speaking through him. I felt the spirit so strongly as I read-- even now just thinking about what I read. Here are a few important things I felt reminded of in the chapters of Helaman 13-17. 1. The prophets of the Lord, past and present, speak the words of the Lord. Listen and obey. (See Helaman 13:3-4) 2. Jesus Christ is the source of true joy, which will surpass any and all temporal pleasures and successes. (See Hel. 13:7, 38; 14; 16:14) 3. Jesus Christ is the true, living Savior and Redeemer; and Heavenly Father's beautiful and perfect Plan of Redemption is possible through Christ and his mercy, grace and a...

We thank thee o God for a prophet! I loved reading through the scriptures this week and feeling so strengthened on my testimony of our prophets. In Helaman 8:12-24, Nephi reminds us of how Heavenly Father has sent prophets ever since the beginning to help guide the way. ( https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/8?id=p16-p24&lang=eng#p16 ) I feel so grateful for a reminder that our prophet today, President Russell M Nelson, truly is called of God by the same order as it has been since the very beginning. I was thinking about this as I read chapter 10, and I felt that if we pray and ask for a testimony of our own; to know our living prophet today is truly a prophet just as Lehi and Moses, we can have an experience as Nephi did to bring our belief to knowledge. " and it came to pass at me if I went his way towards his own house pondering on the things which the Lord had shown him. " and it came to pass as he was thus thus pondering in his heart, Beh...

How Firm A Foundation! " And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." By heeding this council from their father, Helaman, Nephi and Lehi had faith that was unshakable and which brought a change of an entire nation. Helaman 5:18-19 says, "And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did preach unto the Lamanites with such great power and authority, for they had power and authority given unto them that they might speak, and they also had what they should speak given unto them— "Therefore they did speak un...

Here is a bright arrangement of "Behold, A Royal Army". "[T]he city of Ammonihah had been...in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed it once because of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would again become an easy prey for them." (Alma 49:3) Satan knows our weaknesses. We know our weaknesses. We know we've fallen through at one time or another by one, or many, of our weak points in life; physical or spiritual. Pornography, laziness, depression & anxiety, faith struggles, faith in the power of repentance, faith in tithing, becoming or remaining worthy of a temple recommend, building and maintaining healthy relationships, eating challenges, faith in the prophets and apostles as divinely ordained and direct leaders of the Church. The list is endless...But the defeat in us isn't; not with Christ! Proverbs 4:13 says, " I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (See also Alma 26:12, Ether 12:27)...

"Families Can Be Together Forever" I felt impressed to share the words of Alma regarding the resurrection of the dead. From Alma 40. "[T]here are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection... "Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed... "Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. "And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all t...

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear." ~D&C 38:30 "Fearless Heart" by Katherine Nelson Usually when reading of Captain Moroni, I focus on how he wrote the Title of Liberty. But something new stood out to me this time: PREPARATION. The title of Liberty in Alma 46, was quite a powerful motivation Moroni used to bring the people to fight for their freedoms. But I believe it had such a fast and immediate reaction from the people because of what they'd experienced in their war with the lamanites only about one year prior; which they'd PREPARED for! Alma 43:9 says, "And now the design of the Nephites was to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children, that they might preserve them from the hands of their enemies; and also that they might preserve their rights and their privileges, yea, and also their liberty, that they might worship God according to their desires." Here's the point: The Nephites had set their ...

O, My Father, sung by the Tabernacle Choir HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!! I want to brag for just a minute about my dad. Ok, not brag; but share the deep love and gratitude I feel on Father's Day because of my dad and how he has helped me build a beautiful relationship with my Heavenly Father. I've always felt that my dad was the perfect dad. Let me clarify what I mean by "perfect". First off, I've got a pretty darn good-looking dad! I've always thought that if i'd been around him in my dating years, I would've had a big crush on him! haha 😄 Second; Love. My dad's love is genuine; 100%. Never in my life have I had to question if he loved me. No matter how old I get, when he wraps me up in his hug, I feel like I'm still his little girl and could just snuggle on his lap! I'm just wrapped in his immense, unconditional love! Also my dad's love for others is incredible to me. He loves and respects everyone he sees. When he shakes your hand yo...

I hope you enjoy this song, America, The Beautiful, sung by Lexi Walker. What a special week this is with Memorial Day right ahead. And how fascinating the topic of freedom is right now with what we've been studying in the scriptures for the last couple weeks! (See Come, Follow Me; pgs. 78-84, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-book-of-mormon-2020/20?lang=eng ) Memorial day is a special holiday which gives us an opportunity to show gratitude and reflect on all those who have given their lives for our freedom. There's so much going on in the world. So many changes! Much for good! And much also it makes me question how much longer until the words of past prophets are fulfilled, which said, "The time will come when the destiny of this nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction. It will be so” (Joseph Smith, Journal of D...

Please enjoy this beautiful rendition of "Come, Come Ye Saints" arranged by Steven Sharp Nelson. Three messages I find in this hymn. hymn. 1, Come unto Christ. 2, Do not fear. 3, Be willing to be a pioneer and walk along uncharted routes as the savior guides you through your mortal journey. 1. Come unto Christ As I read the words I hear my savior speaking them to me. "Come, come ye saints." Jesus said, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28–30 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/nt/matt/11?id=p28-p30&lang=eng#p28 2. Do not fear. "No toil nor labor fear." Helaman said to his sons, "Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the son of God, that you must build your foundation....which is a sure foundation, a foundation where on if men build they cannot fall." Helaman 5:12 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bo...

This is the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra of Temple Square singing "Faith". "Faith is trust in God above; in Christ who showed the way. Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day." I've really been missing Sunday meetings and have occasionally ( or more) felt a bit down having not been able to go to church for the last few months. As I was reading Alma chapter 32, I couldn't help feel I related with poor were "cast out of the synagogues". Here's a snippet: "...we have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do? Perhaps you might relate with this as well? However, as I continued in the chapter, Alma's words perked my attention. In Alma 32:9-12, he said, "Behold thy brother [or sister in my case] hath said, What shall we do?—for we are cast out of our synagogues [churches], that we cannot worship our God. "Behold I say unto you, do ye suppose that ye cannot worship God save it be in your ...

"Christ the Lord is Risen Today" This song is usually sung at Easter time, but I felt like it is such a beautiful declaration of how Jesus Christ's Atonement and resurrection give us access to redemption from our sins and victory over the grave! This is a lot of what I thought of as I read this week in Alma 22. I feel like the entire Gospel is so wonderfully summarized in these few verses. It gives me the why of everything we do in the Church of Jesus Christ. "...God created man after his own image and...God gave him commandments, and...because of transgression, man had fallen. "And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of Redemption which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, or all whosoever would believe on his name. "And since man had fallen he could not merit anything himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ ...

Happy Independence Day this week! Here is the Tabernacle Choir singing America The Beautiful. This is the fourth of July weekend coming up. This is a week to remember the fathers of our country and the miraculous Freedom we have! I've always been excited when I read the scriptures in the Book of Mormon that testify of the freedom of this country and how prophets even over a thousand years before, saw our founding fathers; and how this country was the Promised Land of freedom. 2nd Nephi 1:7 says: "Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever." And Ether 2:12 reads, "Behold, this is a choice...

Eclipse singing, I Believe in Christ. In my studies this week, these verses--actually all of Alma chapter 13!-- but these few verses especially stood out to me. "[T]he time cometh, we know not how soon. Would to God that it might be in my day; but let it be sooner or later, in it I will rejoice.... "And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart... "But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; " Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest." Alma 13:25–29 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/13?id=p25-p29&lang=eng#p25 To me they gi...

Here is a recording I really enjoy of a mix of The Prayer/ Savior, Redeemer of my Soul I hope it brings the Spirit to you with all that's going on the world and in each of your personal lives. God it's watching over all. He hears our prayers. He has a plan. Jesus lives and is still leading us. Do you have a song that is always touched your heart or shares piece of your testimony? We would love to share YOUR testimony through music and this is a great opportunity for everybody! Musically inclined or not :-) Email me, Jillene,(Smith1013family@gmail.com) and share a link or title of a song that shares your testimony, along with a few sentences your feelings. I will review them for sharing but I'm sure they will all be wonderful! I look forward to hearing testimonies from all of you! With love, Sister Jillene Smith

This song called The Olive Tree, here played by a guitarist, is about our call from Christ to do His work. (The lyrics are at the bottom of the message👇) I always felt encouraged to live with this message when I was part of the Young Women's program growing up. Sister Craig of the Young Women General Presidency said, “The Young Women sesquicentennial celebrates 150 years of growth in young women striving to improve themselves, develop their talents, serve others and strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ." I'd encourage everybody, young women and their parents especially, to read the introduction to this great celebration, being held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Day Saints to celebrate the 150 years of the Young Women's program. ( https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/young-women-organization-celebrates-150-years-2020 ) I hope we can all feel close to Christ. Prayers for all of you. Love, Jillene Smith The Olive Tree Seminary...