In March of 2020, the world was overrun by the COVID-19 virus. Schools shut down, the economy tanked, and people stayed home for fear of becoming infected.
Like many, I’ve felt the heaviness of this time. As I went searching for peace, I came across this hymn, and the words sang to me! They are so beautiful.
I hope this arrangement brings you some peace as well!
Originally, I wouldn’t have thought these two songs go together. “Hark! the Herald” is upbeat and boisterous, while “What Child is This?” is more quiet and reverent. But halfway through having fun with “Hark!”, I was a bit stumped. I got a bit of writer’s block. So I just started messing around on the piano, stalling, until I came to a slow, reverent version of “What Child is This?” And somehow, it just kinda fit with the rest.
I really love how the two came together and hope you do to. Because, to me, celebrating Christ’s birth at Christmas is both fun, wonderful, and boisterous, and yet also reverent, amazing, and incredible.
The lyrics
Even though this is a piano arrangement, when I put the video together, I wanted to add lyrics. But I’d never realized how amazing the words are to either song until I slowed down to read them word by word.
Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise; join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem!
What Child is this Who laid to rest on Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and Angels sing.
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die;
Hark! the herald angels sing glory to the newborn King!
Anyway, hope you enjoy this season wherever you are!
As a quick follow-up to my last post, I’ve written some arrangements of a few songs from “The Greatest Showman” that are available exclusively on Sheet Music Plus.
Several of my piano students are “The Greatest Showman” fans, and so am I, so this has been a fun little project. I plan to add to the list this week, including some harder arrangements of the same songs. I’ll update this blog as more come available.
I’ve had lots going on my life recently, foremost that my 15yo son was diagnosed with cancer. This cancer hit us from out of the blue–which I suppose cancer usually does. Luckily, he’s doing great and he has a phenomenal attitude. Plus, I love being able to spend more time with him now that he’s home for the next six months, undergoing treatment.
His great sense of humor shining through as he contemplates baldness.
As you can imagine, this little hiccup has given me lots to think about–and do–besides books and music. And yet, strangely, it’s also given me lots to be thankful for. One thing I’ve been most thankful for is people. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from friends, family, strangers, and even many of you! It’s meant so much to us–and him.
To show thanks, I’ve decided to give away some FREE signed books.
Back in the spring, Emily Hope approached me about designing a cover and doing some formatting for a book she was working on. We’ve been working together ever since on this lovely, inspiring project.
What a privilege it has been!
(Emily also asked me to arrange a hymn mentioned in the book, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” This is a companion to her book and has become my new favorite hymn. The words and melody are gorgeous! More info below the interview.)
Emily’s book is now published and available. It’s called:
REBECCA: What is this book about and who can it help?
EMILY: Restoring Virtue is about how I was able to access the Atonement as a way to recover from the effects of childhood sexual abuse. How I changed a traumatic experience into a life full of blessings, happiness, and service. Essentially, this book is my testimony of God’s love, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and every other good and correct principle.
This book is not about standard treatments such as counseling, medication, or other common resources. It could be for someone who has explored standard treatments, but still feels like something is missing. Really, my book is for anyone who contemplates their relationship with God and is open to hearing how someone else experiences His presence.
REBECCA: I felt this as I read your story–that it is for more than just those who have been haunted by childhood abuse. It’s really a story of growth and spiritual healing. It’s beautiful.
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What prompted you to tell your personal story?
EMILY: Two years ago, a combination of events aligned perfectly causing me to see my life with more honesty and clarity. My book describes these events in detail and how writing my story influenced the final step in my healing process.
The still small voice, just a whisper, planted the desire to write my testimony. The more I wrote the stronger this prompting became until it consumed my thoughts. I had to write. I had to get it out. I felt like Parley P. Pratt when he described reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. “I [wrote] all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when the night came, for I preferred [writing] to sleep. As I [wrote], the spirit of the Lord was upon me … My joy was now full, as it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all the sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life.”
Ultimately, I wrote my story so God may speak to another one of His children through my words. So other victims of abuse may experience hope.
REBECCA: And how glad I am that you did. Unfortunately abuse, specifically sexual abuse, affects more people than anyone would ever care to imagine. One statistic says that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18. That number is disturbing and disgusting. And yet, I believe it. I know too many friends and loved ones whose lives have been traumatized by abuse. How wonderful that you’re willing to talk about it and share your healing.
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Why an orchid on the cover? Tell us about its significance.
EMILY: The orchid on the cover is a symbol of my healing process coming to a close.
Emily’s Orchid
I experienced a tender mercy when a spike emerged from the orchid sitting on my kitchen windowsill the same week I began writing my story. It grew as my story grew, as if being fed by my testimony. After a period of blooming, it then died the week my story was complete. Like the orchid stores up its energy to bloom from beneath the ground, my testimony grew from the darkest trials to become something beautiful, something new, and bright.
Traditionally the orchid symbolizes love, beauty, strength, wealth, and protection. The spots are sometimes used to symbolize the blood of Christ and a new beginning.
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REBECCA: Can you share a favorite quote/scripture/excerpt from your book?
EMILY: My favorite quote is from Elder Richard G. Scott, may he be at peace. He sums up the process in a few short words. “Love is a potent healer.” When you understand the meaning of true love, you hold the key to the mysteries of God.
Excerpt:
“Each time I was blessed with God’s love, whether in small or significant ways, a little piece of my heart was healed. It could have just been a comforting feeling, a blessing, a prompting from the Spirit, a scripture I read, or one of the more significant moments when God’s grace pulled me out of the darkness. With each piece my heart was restored not to its original form, but to a new form God had created. “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). I did not become the person I always yearned for, a flawed version of perfection, but the person God wanted me to be, the daughter He had thoughtfully gifted with eternal qualities.
“In each healing moment I learned something new and took another step towards God and towards becoming united with Him.”
REBECCA: Thanks for sharing. (See what I mean by beautiful?) This book is filled with quotes from church leaders and the scriptures, plus Emilisms, little truths Emily has come to know. I love that.
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Do you plan to write more in the future?
EMILY: I won’t be writing any more books. However, I will continue writing onmy blog (Restoring-virtue.com)as inspiration strikes. For spiritual insights and growth taking place beyond the pages of my book.
REBECCA: Thank you again for sharing, Emily! I know your book will be a help and comfort to those who struggle!
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ABOUT EMILY: I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a friend. I love cold weather, which is why I live in the beautiful state of Alaska. I love biking, picking berries in the wild Alaskan frontier, discount movies with my best friend, sharing spiritual experiences with my children, and the comfort of my husband’s hugs. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My life is blessed in more ways than I can count.
And if you have any questions or thoughts for Emily, make sure to comment below.
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And now a little about the hymn mentioned in Restoring Virtue. This is Hymn #99 in the LDS Hymns, and is not very well-known. But just read the words and you’ll fall in love with it, too.
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, nearer, nearer to thee– Ever I’m striving to be nearer, yet nearer to thee! Trusting, in thee I confide; hoping, in thee I abide.
(Chorus) Take, oh, take, and cherish me, Nearer, dear Savior, to thee.
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, nearer, nearer to thee– Proved by my trials, I’ll be nearer, yet nearer to thee! Humbly I come to thee now; earnest, I prayerfully bow.
(Chorus)
Nearer, dear Savior, to thee, nearer, nearer to thee– Let me by holiness be nearer, yet nearer to thee! When all my trials are done, when my reward I have won,
FREE DOWNLOAD: I’ll be offering both the Piano Solo and SSATTB versions for FREE to my email newsletter subscribers tomorrow, so if you’d like to get either version for FREE, sign up here.
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Thanks again, Emily, for the chance to work on this project!
This is my first Mother’s Day without my mom. She passed away last June. I’ve been thinking about her a lot the last few weeks, pondering her incredible influence on my life.
3 Generations of Perfect Pitch. Lynn S Lund, Rebecca L Belliston, Katelynn Belliston
One huge impact she had on me is with music.
My mom, Lynn S. Lund, was an amazing musician and composer. Growing up, she was ward organist at 12 years old and stake organist at 16. She taught piano all of my life and told me that, as a baby, I listened quietly on her lap to all of her students play.
When I showed interest in writing music, my mom was so excited–more excited than I was. She was always right there giving me help, teaching me theory and how to write choral parts, teaching me to use the notation software, and most of all, cheering me on.
I miss her, but still feel her influence strongly in my life.
People have often told me I look like her. I didn’t realize I posed like her, too, until I ran across this picture. :)
Since I can’t give her a true ‘gift’ this Mother’s Day, I thought I’d do the next closest thing. Her belief was that music should be shared.
So…
I’ve compiled some of my piano solo arrangements into a new album I’ve titled, “For the Love of Hymns.”
The first music my mom published was compilations of her piano hymn arrangements, so I’m excited that my first compilation is the same. If you’re not already familiar with them, you should check out her piano solos. They’re gorgeous and wonderful. You can find them here.
I hope all of you have a lovely and wonderful Mother’s Day!!!!!!!!!!
I lost my mom two weeks ago (Lynn S. Lund). To say that I miss her would be a gross understatement. The funeral was beautiful, though, and I am overwhelmed by all the love and support everyone has shown me and my family.
Six years ago next month, I had this idea for a novel that wouldn’t leave me alone. It was silly, because I’d never had the desire to write a single word in my life. My dad is an author–a famous one even. I was a composer, a crazy music lady. Not an author.
But, the writing bug struck, and I was hit hard.
I started writing clean romances in May of ’08, and I haven’t stopped since. It’s been a blast. I love it! But it hasn’t been without its struggles.
