Look For A Lovely Thing, It Never Will Be Far

Night.

Stars over snow,

And in the west a planet

Swinging low below a star...

Look for a lovely thing and you will find it,

It is not far...

It will never be far.

by Sara Teasdale

Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

ye are little children, 

and ye have not as yet understood 

how great blessings the Father hath 

in his own hands and 

prepared for you;

And ye cannot bear all things now; 

nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. 

The kingdom is yours 

and the blessings thereof are yours, 

and the riches of eternity are yours.

And he who 

receiveth all things with thankfulness 

shall be made glorious; 

and the things of this earth 

shall be added unto him, 

even an hundred fold, 

yea, more.

D&C 78: 17-19

... that ye humble yourselves 

even to the dust, 

and worship God, 

in whatsoever place ye may be in, 

in spirit and in truth; 

and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, 

for the many 

mercies and blessings 

which he doth bestow upon you.

Alma 34: 38

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings; name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings; ev’ry doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,

Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.

Count your many blessings; money cannot buy

Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

    So amid the conflict, whether great or small,

Do not be discouraged; 

God is over all.

Count your many blessings; 

angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you 

to your journey’s end.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your blessings;

See what God hath done.

Count your blessings;

Name them one by one.

Count your many blessings;

See what God hath done.

Text: Johnson Oatman Jr., 1856–1922

Music: Edwin O. Excell, 1851–1921

Count Your Many Blessings

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Whenever I hear the song of a bird

Or look at the blue, blue sky

Whenever I feel the rain on my face

Or the wind as it rushes by

Whenever I touch a velvet rose

Or walk by a lilac tree

I'm glad that I live in this beautiful world

Heavenly Father created for me

He gave me my eyes that I might see

The color of butterfly wings.

He gave me my ears that I might hear

The magical sound of things.

He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:

I thank him rev’rently

For all his creations, of which I’m a part.

Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, 1904–1997

My Heavenly Father Loves Me

Clara McMaster composed the song after struggling to find the right words to express the joy and comfort she felt. She sought divine help and was inspired to remember her childhood on a farm. The imagery in the song includes lilac trees, velvet roses, and a blue sky.

Clara's daughter Diane explained that one night, Clara asked the Lord to help her find the right words, and she received an impression that said, "Tell them what you know".

Clara Elizabeth Watkins McMaster was born at Beaver Dam, Box Elder County, Utah, the youngest of eleven children, to Joseph Hammond and Lydia Ella Hancock Watkins, on October 30, 1904. She died peacefully in her sleep on March 18, 1997.

She was raised in rural simplicity in Box Elder and Cache counties, graduated from Box Elder High School in Brigham City, and attended Utah State University at Logan prior to marrying her high school sweetheart, J. Stuart McMaster in the Salt Lake Temple on June 17, 1927.From her earliest days, music was a significant part of her life. She was born of parents and grandparents noted for their musical contributions to Pioneer life and many of her brothers played professionally with some of the big name bands of the twenties and thirties. She sang in the Tabernacle Choir for twenty three years. Was a member of the music committee of the Primary General Board for fourteen years. Over a period of more than sixty years she and her husband sang duets before countless church and community gatherings. In 1978 they were presented with the Franklin S. Harris Fine Arts Award from Brigham Young University in recognition of their service.

She was an active and faithful church member for all of her years, noted for the willingness and enthusiasm with which she approached each assignment. She was an active and vital component of the presidency of her husband in the Kansas-Missouri Mission of the church from 1970 to 1973, and never tired of following the lives of her more than 300 `extra sons and daughters.'

She had pure, unaffected qualities, an even disposition, and a fresh-air-wisp of charming humor that endeared her to nearly everyone who knew her. She composed many popular songs for children among which are: primary favorites `Teach Me to Walk in the Light of His Love' and `My Heavenly Father Loves Me'

Clara W. McMaster, 1904–1997

The Artist Karl Larson with Two of His Children