I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your arrangement of “Does the Journey Seem Long?” and how inspiring it has been to me personally. I began learning it several months ago to play in Sacrament Meeting, but was waiting for an appropriate time. As the music chair in my ward, I wanted to make sure it supported the theme of the talks. There were a couple of times I was ready to add it to the program, only to remove it because it didn’t feel right. This week’s theme was “Knowing Our Heavenly Father and Our Savior.” I thought it was a stretch, but felt prompted to finally perform it. The sister who spoke just before the musical number shared some beautiful experiences that aligned perfectly with the text of this hymn and I knew why I had waited. Spontaneously, I decided to introduce the song, in relation to the talk, before I sat down to play and was humbled by how many people opened their hymn books to follow along. Your arrangements are truly inspired and this one paints such a lovely image of the triumphant reunion with our Heavenly Father. Many members shared with me afterwards how touched they were by your arrangement. So, thank you! Thank you for sharing your talent! You are doing a great work.
Testimonials
Kirk Davies
I discovered an arrangement of yours (Master, the Tempest Is Raging) on LDS.org. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t recognize your name, having never come across your music before. Sorry to say, because I love the arrangement and can’t wait to explore other music by you. It’s wonderful to find music that is beautiful, accessible, and uplifting. I look forward to discovering more of your compositions.
Wendy Garrard, Grantsville, UT
Your arrangement of “Master, the Tempest is Raging” is absolutely gorgeous! I played it as a piano solo in sacrament meeting and it literally had people in tears. The imagery is so clear; it’s like a painting with music and the ending with the boat gently rocking on the calming sea is brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing your talent and allowing us to share it with others.
Marcia Gandolph, Apex, NC
I have a piano student going on a genealogy mission soon and he’d like to play in Sacrament Meeting. This piano duet [He Is Risen] is perfect! He is autistic and so musical! I really like your arrangements. Very pleasing sounds!
Elmer Samson, India
Superb!!!! Loved the way you’ve played this [Master, the Tempest Is Raging], lots of love from India….
Silenat van Aalst, the Netherlands
We love listening to you playing on YouTube. My daughter loves the children pieces. She is 8 and taking piano lessons. She enjoys listening to you play. I pray that God keep you safe under His bosom. Wishing you blessings!
Brynne Dalton, Gilbert, AZ
My boys used this duet [Called to Serve Medley] to play together for one of their mission farewells. We loved being able to hear the song first on YouTube. Thank you! It was perfect.
Roseanne Roberts, McMinnville, OR
Wow, I listened to “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” and it’s so beautiful! Thanks for your amazing, touching talent. I could listen to music like this all day long!
Katherine Wright, Lewisburg, PA
I recently performed your arrangement of “Master the Tempest is Raging” in sacrament meeting. As it turned out, the ward music chairman put me on the schedule for the Sunday right after President Monson passed away. I read online that President Monson always asked his Sunday School teacher to play “Master the Tempest.” So I had the privilege of playing President Monson’s favorite boyhood hymn. It was special to me to play that in his honor the week of his funeral.
Your arrangement was loved and enjoyed by the members of my little rural ward here in Pennsylvania! Many of our ward members here deal with really tough challenges. One sister told me that she was very touched by your portrayal of the contrast between tempest and calm.
Just wanted to thank you for your music!
Sharon Wilson
I really like your arrangement of “Welcome, Welcome, Sabbath Morning” ~ very beautiful and cheerful!
Becky
I completely love this swing version of “I Have Two Little Hands.” I love swing music and Primary songs, so this is the perfect combination. Thank you – you are very talented.
Marion
This is Puff as you have never heard him before! Beautiful! If you haven’t checked out the arranger’s YouTube video with a violinist, do it now! It will bring tears to your eyes at the sheer beauty of the music of this children’s classic. I sent a link to a counselor in my Stake Presidency and his comment was “keep the music, change the words, and you have a new church hymn.” Check out the arranger’s website for brilliant arrangements of other children’s songs, and an outstanding album of hymn arrangements available for purchase (so worth the price!) and terrific hymn arrangements for use in Church, others for fun, and some great original compositions.