Family Home Evening Thought - Jan. 17

I want to share an experience in scripture study this week, not so much because of the message, but because of what this experience did for me as a scripture student. I read the Sunday School lesson each week, mark the scripture chain, and study the scripture mastery scripture for seminary (still teaching the scriptures in sign language with the music by the Sons of Ammon - if you are interested, Google that one - songs are free, some music is rather hokey, others are great), and decided for the days I have that done, I would go through the hymn book and become more familiar with the hymns and study the scripture references. I have found that sometimes, I think of other scriptures apply, and I find the references and write in my hymn book as I go. Most of the hymns are familiar, but there are some in the "new" hymn book (well, it is younger than any of my kids!) I am still unfamiliar with. This last week, I arrived at #126, How Long, O Lord Most Holy and True. Pretty sure I had never sung or played it before, so I pulled up the music on lds.org, and listened to it. The names of composer and lyricist are well known - John A. Widtsoe and Cecil Gates. For me, listening to the music, which has a strong minor feeling, set a mood that contrasted brilliantly with the words I was reading from D&C 138:11-19, 50-51 and Isaiah 61:1-2. I found myself pondering those faithful brothers and sisters, who came to earth and fulfilled their missions, long years before the Savior would come to break the bands of death, who then waited for that glorious event. I found myself pondering that great vision given to Joseph F. Smith in 1918, reading it again with new eyes. The Spirit bore witness to me of the truth of the account given in the Doctrine and Covenants, and also that the heavens continue to be open.

The point - someday, try something different for your scripture study. Choose a hymn and study the scriptures at the bottom, while the music plays. I have gained a great appreciation for the talented men and women whose works are in the hymn book, as well as a testimony of the power of the hymns to bring the Spirit, to teach, and to inspire.

Love, Mom