How I Hear Him

    Our Stake Relief Society Presidency asked me to share with our stake how I Hear the voice of the Lord.  They asked about 6 in our stake to share and made videos to share to our social media platforms. This is something I've been pondering on and thinking of lately, since our dear Prophet and the other leaders of the Church have reminded us that this was not just an invitation to Joseph Smith, but for all of us. 

    One of the clearest ways I recognize the voice of Jesus Christ and hear Him is through the Hymns of Zion and Primary Songs. Music has always been a huge part of my life.  

    My mom played many instruments and she taught us and we sang a lot growing up and I always loved it.  My brother often comments that the second language spoken in our home is music and that was so true. One of the first times I remember Hearing Him was at my Grandpa's funeral when I was eight.  His favorite song he requested to be sung was "I Believe in Christ" and the grand kids all sang "I am A Child of God" as a musical number.  At the time, I just thought I was sad and grieving as I cried.  But more than tears, I had a feeling inside me of knowing there was truth to what I was singing. That seed of testimony was planted and starting to grow.  This music helped me to know of my identity and purpose. 

    A few years later, as a new Beehive, we were getting ready for a Young Women's program where we'd be singing a few hymns.  We learned "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" and "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee".  As we were practicing it and I really took in the words, I was overcome with tears and a strong feeling in my heart. I couldn't sing because all that was coming out was that ugly but beautiful cry. "He lives my kind, wise Heavn'ly Friend.  He lives and loves me to the end.  How sweet the joy this sentence gives!  I know that my Redeemer lives!"  (Text: Samuel Medley, 1738–1799. Included in the first LDS hymnbook, 1835. Music: Lewis D. Edwards, 1858–1921) As we sang "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee" same thing happened.  "Nor voice can sing, nor heart can frame, Nor can the mem’ry find A sweeter sound than thy blest name, O Savior of mankind!"  (Attr. to Bernard of Clairvaux, ca. 1091–1153; trans. by Edward Caswall, 1814–1878, Music: John B. Dykes,).  To this day, those two hymns, bring a deep conviction that the Lord lives and loves me, and this is His work. There have been many other times I've heard Him through the Hymns. 

    When I was a teenager and on to college, some of my friends and I would sing "True to the Faith" and make sure to remind each other not to let the "youth of Zion falter" when we came and went.  Those lyrics and others come into my mind many times even when I was tempted to do things that didn't fall in line with the Lord's will and gave me strength to withstand that temptation. The Hymns help me understand things clearer.  

    When I'm reading the scriptures, many times lyrics of certain songs, even ones I don't know very well, will come to mind out of no where, and I will look them up and receive added inspiration and understanding that go along with what I'm learning about so well.  The hymns have also been an answer to prayers, a way of guidance for me.  

    Music also opens up the heavens for me by listening to or playing it.  Being able to be a ward organist in the past, I became aware of how music opens up the heavens for revelation.  That prelude and postlude is so important, as is listening to and participating in good music at home.  These are times we can be more sensitive to the Spirit.  

    Before we moved to Montana, we were at a cross roads and needed to make a decision on which job to take.  I really honestly didn't want the Montana gig, but as I prayed, the words to the hymn "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go" by Mary Brown came to mind.  We always kind of had a feeling on this one, but almost wanted to deny it.  I wasn't jumping up and down with excitement on this one, but this gave me sweet assurance that we're going where we need to go!  "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord, Over mountain or plain or sea; I'll say what you want me to say, dear Lord; I'll be what you want me to be."  I knew that Montana was the place as soon as I heard that in my mind.  And it has been the right place.  We've been able to see great things happen because of our being here and many missionary moments we might not have had otherwise. 

    Being a mom, I can't tell how many times certain Hymns or Primary songs come along to help me stay the course.  It's not easy some days, but I find myself singing to myself or out loud songs a lot to help me endure and thrive, or encourage my family to understand and live the Gospel. Listening to and playing great music brings inspiration and guidance and keeps me going.  

    I love how God speaks to us and touches us in ways personally that we will feel and recognize.  The Spirit doesn't work one size fits all.  If we are willing to listen, He will speak to us.  I am thankful that the Heavens are still opened and God is still inspiring His children to create beautiful music that builds faith and testimony, inspires, guides and helps us endure.  

Here's the video of this: https://www.facebook.com/groups/224686482013114/permalink/286328159182279/