(To download some of my songs, see my "Favorite Links" list on the right, below).

Favorite Quote





"Next to the Word of God, Music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he might proclaim the Word of God through music." - Martin Luther



The first time I read this quote (framed, and on a wall in a friend's house) it resonated within me so deeply that I memorized it on the spot. I have always felt that all music affects us, whether for good or for bad, and that any lyrics associated with music have the same positive or negative impact on us. I also have a strong belief in God and in Jesus Christ, our Savior, and I strive to find ways of showing my love to them and honoring them. Therefore, I have made it my lifelong goal to always surround myself with music that is uplifting and inspirational, filled with beautiful melodies and rhythms, and heart-felt lyrics that invite the Holy Spirit into my life. When positive lyrics and beautiful melodies are completely in sync with one another, wonderful things can happen to the listener. Beautiful music can bring peacefulness and stillness in this world of noise and chaos. It can also move people to tears and fill a heart with the Spirit and with love. I imagine heaven is full of such music. As a composer, I hope to live up to Martin Luther's quote and write music that helps to proclaim the Word of God. I am definitely not trying to claim that what I write is deserving of the "highest praise", but I do hope that those who listen to my music may be affected in a positive light, and that it may help bring comfort to a troubled soul, or perhaps help bring someone a little bit closer to God. - Marlene



Saturday, November 17, 2012

A Few Sweet Updates

It's been a few months since my last entry, so I thought I would take a moment to give a few updates. 

First, I want to give an update on a story I related in one of my September posts titled "Sweet Moments, Sweet Rewards".  In that entry I told the story of the 11-year old boy who had a desire to be baptized a member of the LDS Church but was unable to until he received permission from his birth parents.  Well, I was pleased to learn this week that this sweet boy is being baptized today!  This news is so joyous and is such a special treat, in and of itself, but there is a "cherry on top" for me, at least, because he has requested my tithing song, "The Windows of Heaven" to be performed at his baptism.  Could anything be sweeter?  I am so happy for this young man for the wise choice he has made to be baptized.  I know he will have great blessings throughout his life because of this decision.  I am truly looking forward to attending his baptism!

The second update I would like to give is regarding the song, "We Are His Hands" (referenced in my September blog entry titled "Songwriting Marathons") that was recently performed in Salt Lake at the LDS Church Relief Society Music Festival.  My husband and I attended the concert and it was a thrill and delight to be there in person to see and hear a full women's choir performing my song.  The choir did a wonderful job!  The Church recorded the concert and sent me a CD.  If you are interested in hearing the performance of this song, click the "Play Song" link just below this blog entry.   The sheet music is also available to download through the link "My Songs found on LDS.org" (located under "Favorite Links" on the right).

Marlene D. Bartlett 

"We Are His Hands", performed by the Fruit Heights Utah Stake Women's Choir,
October 26, 2012, in Salt Lake City, Utah





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