On a recent visit, Jacob inspired Ben to practice the piano to get good enough to play for priesthood meeting. He might reach that goal in a year or two. He still uses the same excuse he used many years ago-- his hands don't work right together.
His playing got me thinking, so one evening when I was restless, I sat down and started to play through the entire hymnbook. Here are some interesting things I've noticed.
--There aren't many hymns I don't know, but there are many hymns we never sing. Sad!! Many that are sung around here are newer, cool songs, but some really good old, old hymns are never used.
--we don't do a very good job with the dotted notes. We tend to slide over them, making them more equal and less syncopated.
--some of the authors of the songs have awesome names. I have my favorite. Which is yours?
When we went to Aberdeen for Grandma's birthday, I sat by my brother Forrest in sacrament meeting. As the first hymn started, I leaned over and whispered to him, "Rene always asks me why I don't need or want a hymnbook to sing." He leaned over and said, "I always ask my wife why she needs a hymnbook after all these years!"
Now, a little quizicito:
Name that hymn:
I cannot go to rest but linger still, in meditation at my window sill...
Wastes rise in verdure and mingle in song.
And righteousness bring in, that Saints may tune the lyre...
When I am filled with strong desire and ask a boon of him I see no miracle of living fire, but what I ask flows into me.
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
And for bonus points, name my favorite hymn and for double bonus points, name my favorite Primary song.
And here's Russell playing the piano.
