Your LDS Radio Blog | YLDSR.COM

Earl and Nena Madsen, about two months before Earl's passing

Behind the scenes of the LDS music industry, you’ll find a bevy of dedicated folks. You don’t see their faces on CD covers or hear their voices on albums  and radio broadcasts, but without them, there’d be no music at all. Ask around in the industry about some of the names who’ve helped grease the wheels for LDS artists over the years, and one name will come up as often as any other (and more often than most): Earl Madsen. It’s hard to find an LDS artist that Earl didn’t take out to lunch at one time or another and offer some well-placed advice. Artists will be quick to tell you their favorite place to hang out with Earl. With me, it was always the Sweet Tomatoes salad buffet in Sandy, Utah. Albums were planned and careers plotted across the table between us, and anyone who ever spoke with Earl knew of his dedication to building the kingdom of the Lord through inspiring music.

Earl was a big part of the advisory team that helped put together the online station that became YourLDSradio. We couldn’t have done it without him, perhaps, such was his influence on what we do around here.

Earl passed away one week ago today, and has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. It’s been a week of memories — so many of them musical. Earl was in poor health for awhile. Maybe, even, he had an inkling of what was to come. As such, it might not have surprised many to find, tucked in his journal, a long list of LDS artists and songs that he wanted involved somehow in his funeral, when it came. It came this week, and the pews in the chapel were filled with LDS music-makers, sharers of the same love for great music that characterized Earl. His legacy was on display at the service, through songs and memories of of his many friends.

Earl Madsen in his element

As a YourLDSradio listener, you’re part of that legacy, too. We hope you’re enjoying the music, and we hope that Earl somehow has a glimpse, even now, of listeners all over the world, being uplifted by the music made by and for Latter-day Saints.

Earl spent the last months of his life building education outreach programs for young artists hoping to find opportunities to share their music. It was the sort of thing he loved: helping other people shine. A genuine builder. Earl, you fought the good fight. We are all thankful. Thanks for the memories.

As Latter-day Saints, this season is a reminder of the love and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is a time to reflect on the blessings we have received in our lives. It is a time to ponder on the small or mighty miracles we can attribute to our relationship with the Lord. It is also a time of worldly pressures. December gets filled with finding enough time to make or buy treats for our friends, neighbors, co-workers, school friends, and so on. Often it can be a month filled with errands, and attending parties or gatherings. Finally, Christmas comes, and after all the presents are unwrapped we are able to slow down and reflect once again on the true meaning of Christmas. So how do we slow down during this season and help our family understand that when Christmas comes, it’s not just about the presents?

We can all admit that giving and receiving gifts is a lot of fun. And while there’s nothing wrong with it, we can too easily make that the focus. There are many experiences we can share with our children that could help them understand how important keeping the right focus is. Doing a special Family Home Evening during the month of December can help prepare the family for tithing settlement, for example. A child or spouse who hears a lesson and testimony on tithing can only grow and learn from such a lesson. Helping our children fill out the tithing slip as the activity and placing the money in the envelope until tithing settlement can help them understand the process of preparing for tithing settlement.

I was surprised as a new member long ago, when my husband reminded my four-year-old to pay tithing on his small allowance. We went to the bishop, and my son paid $3.00 in tithing, making him a full tithe-payer. For children, tithing teaches that every dollar earned is a blessing from the Lord. A child’s awareness of this important principle can begin at a young age. Each year as a family, we attend tithing settlement and each child fills out their own tithing paper if they owe some at the time. Afterwards we have a tithing settlement treat. It is a sort of celebration, confirming we have faithfully kept a commandment from the Lord and have taken part in the great mission in building up the Lord’s kingdom on the earth.

A simple story shared in primary a few years ago touched my heart. A little boy was asked to give a talk. He shared a story about how he was Christmas shopping and had money to spend on his family. At the store he told his mom he did not pay his tithing yet and that he and his mom had to stop shopping a moment and figure out what he owed.

This holiday season, may we all take a little time out of our busy schedule and teach our children the principles of tithing and demonstrate an unconquerable spirit against the worldly pressures of the season. As stated in Genesis 28:22, Jacob covenants to pay tithing to the Lords by stating, “of all that thou shalt give me, I shall surely give the tenth onto thee.” May we show gratitude for our blessings – remembering where they came from.

Wendy M. Johnson

Joshua, our guitarist, ready for take-off

The world of LDS music features, of course, the work of a lot of LDS artists you love. You know their names, and many of them are dear to your heart. But behind the scenes, you’ll find hundreds of other people working to bring the music to vibrant life – technicians, musicians, writers, producers, and more, not to mention warehouse owners and operators, store employees, and everyone else working hard to get music into your hands. Some of those people are members of the Church, and some aren’t. But they’re all dedicated to creating music that will support the aims of your favorite artists: to lift your spirit, to inspire and comfort you.

Drummer Steve Flaig, enjoying a burrito during load-in

Just a few days ago, I had an opportunity to work with some of my favorite musicians on a big outdoor Christmas show in Southern Utah. The experience put me in mind of the brotherhood we share as musicians and as children of God, and I thought of how surprising it might be for some of our listeners that much or their favorite music is so ecumenical in its creation.

As I worked with the musicians that were part of the aforementioned Christmas show, it struck me for a moment how different we all were in terms of religious affiliation. A handful of us were Latter-Day-Saints, but not more than a handful.

Pianist and accordianist Stephen Keen, rehearsing a bit before the show

Over the course of our work together, we even had a conversation or two about our differences. Even so, when it came time to address the concert, we were all uncommonly unified in presenting Christmas music to our audience in a way that would move them – nudge them deeper into the spirit of giving and love that characterizes the season. To a man, each member of the band and crew felt that responsibility keenly, and delivered a memorable show to a grateful audience. I’m thankful to have been part of such a team. It’s the same sort of team whose work goes into nearly every tune you hear on this station, or every LDS album you play in your home.

May your season be a musical one, and your heart be full of love for all men (and, of course, women and children too)!

The Christmas season is upon us. To me it is a time of playing beautiful and festive Christmas music. It is a time of fulfilling family traditions — making candy wreaths, gingerbread cookies and houses, and candied almonds. We pass out treats to our friends and neighbors and we have been doing the same Family Home Evenings for years in the month of December. It is a wonderful, family time.
It is also a time to reflect on blessings we have received and to remember those who may be in need. Many shelters depend on Christmas as a time of restocking for the whole year, to be able to pass out jackets, clothing, and toys for children. Food banks are filled and dinners can be donated for months to come. Helping individual families also occurs. As Church members we could always go to the Bishop to ask whom we could help or it may be obvious to see.
Several years ago, there was a family in which the father had been released from his job before Thanksgiving. It was an unexpected layoff. With the holidays looming over the family, the layoff affected the father even more. Each day the father worked hard at sending out resumes and taking odd jobs to make some money. He was paid to chop wood, and to use a jackhammer to remove an old entryway. These were experiences he had never done before. He did work that to many may seem menial. But the father refused to let pride enter his heart, as he would do whatever it would take to feed his family. But, with each passing day and no job offers, the holidays started to be a reminder of what he could not give his family for the first time in their lives. The family was used to a comfortable life style, and hadn’t worried about their means before. His heart poured out to the Lord to help him find a job. He even opened his heart for a new career path if it was required. But, no opening occurred. With only two weeks before Christmas and his heart heavy, an envelope was delivered to his door. It contained a check in a large amount, enough to make mortgage payments and to buy Christmas presents for his family. He wept with his wife and they gave thanks to the Lord for the person or persons who had thought about their family.
Pride did not enter their hearts, but rather gratitude. What an example of an unconquerable spirit! This father demonstrated the humility needed to receive this Christmas blessing. He, having served many families himself in the past, knew he needed to accept this generous blessing with an open heart and in return his family and wife could accept it because of his example.
In 1 Peter 5:5 it states “be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. There are so many lives we can bless the holiday season. Some may be our next door neighbors and extended family member. May we this season, humble our hearts to receive the blessings our families stand in need of or service those families in need.
Wendy M. Johnson

When I think of gratitude, I think of the scriptural example of how the Savior healed the lepers, but only one demonstrated a grateful heart by personally thanking the Him. On the other hand, I can imagine how the other lepers were so happy by the miracle that had occurred. I can even imagine the joy they felt in their hearts, and am sure they shared the miracle with their family and friends — but not the Savior.  Although sharing the story with others is a way of showing gratitude, it is important to take a small moment to personally thank those who made the difference in our lives. Gratitude is a Christ-like attribute that can demonstrate that we are aware of the wonderful blessings we have received.

There times, of course, when our service will not be noticed by the ones we are serving. Donating a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need, donating warm clothing for the winter, making quilts for someone across the world or donating funds to the bishop for a family in need are acts of service that also demonstrate gratitude. With a heart full of gratitude because of your own blessings, you can turn and serve others.

Two years ago we visited a place where children go when they have been taken from their homes because of abuse and are awaiting foster care. It was Thanksgiving week. My family and I planned fun activities for the children to engage in and also brought some yummy treats. We could not bring gifts because the children may not be able to bring them to their new homes. They were nervous because of the uncertainty of their future, and were with a group of children they did not know. So, we played relay races to distract them for a moment from the reality of their state, and had some fun.

We divided them into two teams, and they had to run as fast as they could to the chair at the end of the room and sit on a balloon until it popped and retrieve the candy piece in it and run back to their teammates. My 5 children were cheering them on and the ones popping the balloons were giggling so much they would often fall to the floor with laughter. Another game we played was a relay race in which they were divided into two groups again and had to run to a bowl and pull out an exercise to do. It could be to do 10 jumping jacks, jump on one leg, sing “head, shoulders, knees and toes” or sing the alphabet. I’ve played this game many times with elementary school students, and always had a great time. Here, though, it was different. Many did not understand the coordination of jumping jacks, or fell over when hopping on one foot, or could not read. So, we stopped the game as many were frustrated. One boy said he quit the game and walked off. I felt I had to act quickly. But out of the corner of my eye I saw my oldest son with the little boy who was most upset. Teaching him how to do jumping jacks, jump with a rope and how to hold on to a chair to jump with one foot. After seeing that, I put the rest of them in two lines, practiced what each move was, and directed my children to read the note pulled out. After 10 minutes, I asked the children if they wanted to resume. They said, “Yes!” So we did, and the giggles started again and the children were cheering each other on and my son watched over the little boy who got frustrated to make sure he had more fun. The little boy did, and hugged my son for teaching him how to do jumping jacks. It was a wonderful experience for my whole family. Many asked my daughters if they could play with them again. On the drive home, my son said, “I never thought I’d be grateful to know how to do jumping jacks. I’m glad I could teach him.” The gratitude of that little boy made the experience for my son even better. He was touched by the hug he received. As stated in the leper story in Luke 17:15, “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God.“ What an unconquerable spirit that little boy had. Amongst his confusing and unsettling situation he found the time to simply say “thank you for teaching me how to do jumping jacks.”

My family learned first-hand that neglect at home can impair reading and simple coordination. My children always say that was their favorite service for Thanksgiving. I’m grateful for the experience of service and for all those who have made big and small differences in my life.

Wendy M. Johnson

by Sam Payne

When I was twelve, my family lived in a little country town, with wide fields between homes. In the spring, those fields were deep in tall, green grass — tall enough to crawl around in without being seen. It was our playground. As summer wore on, the grass would dry and die, leaving the fields pale and yellow. It was in the field behind my house, on just such a yellow day, that my little brother and his friends found a leftover 4th of July firework in our yard. They figured they’d get in trouble if they lit it where our folks could see, so they retreated to the back of our property, just inches from the dray grass of the field that butted up against our yard. You can well imagine what happened next. Sparks from the firework jumped almost immediately into the field, and in no time at all, the fire had grown from a match-sized flame to a half-acre inferno. I was trying to slap out the flames with a wet blanket when, blessedly, the fire truck arrived.

The scriptures speak of great things being brought about by small and simple things. True enough. And it may be important to remember that it’s a double-edged sword. We sometimes forget that our lives are like dry fields, mightily susceptible to ills to which we often think ourselves immune. By small indiscretions or instances of neglect or carelessness, whole fields are scorched, or lives devastated. Attention to obedience, even in small matters (some would say especially in small matters) brings safety. Emily Dickinson wrote:

The brain, within its groove
Runs evenly and true
But let a splinter swerve,
T’were easier for you
To put the water back
When floods have slit the hills
And scooped a turnpike for themselves
And blotted out the mills

May we find freedom from great difficulty by keeping the reins tight, even in small things.

On October 5, 1856, President Brigham Young addressed many people a day before General Conference regarding the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies. He spoke of how the companies were still on the plains, and asked for 60 good mule teams and 12 or 15 wagons, 12 tons of flour and 40 good teamsters to go and rescue them. His request was urgent: Go out and rescue the Saints stranded on the plains of Wyoming! Not all who could have gone did, but those who left for the rescue used their own teams and wagons and did not know how long they would be gone from their own families. Still, they left diligently and obediently. Sixteen days later, those who followed his request were surprised at the bitter cold and starving conditions of the saints. The Willie Handcart Company had “issued the last bread,” and many were dying or sick with dysentery. And while the rescuers brought food, the frozen Saints would still have to walk in the snow and pull their handcarts in harsh winter conditions. Other rescue teams continued to the Martin Handcart Company who were days behind the Willie company. What great sacrifice from the rescuers, and from those being rescued! The Willie and Martin Handcart Companies showed what fortitude and faith was required to make that journey in the face of death, starvation, and bitter winter conditions. These early stories of the Church often make me feel insufficient of what more I can do to make a difference. I am confronted more with simple inconvenience than by harsh conditions.

This reminds me of a dear friend (whom I will call Tanya). She was 7 months pregnant with her third child, and her family was in a one-month transition period, preparing to move into their new home. They decided she would stay with her husband’s parents. His parents did not support their faith, and were “put out” that they had to sacrifice a month. Tanya’s husband would meet up with her a few days before the holidays. She was lonely and in a city where she did not know anyone. After a week she took her two children to church and immediately the Relief Society President of that ward welcomed her. Although Tanya had a great Sunday at church, she was worried that another week of loneliness would go by, leaving her unable to perform her own traditions with her family. But the Relief Society president invited her to a craft activity, with babysitting provided. The next week would be the Relief Society holiday dinner party. Again, Tanya was invited, with babysitting provided. The Relief Society president picked up Tanya and her children personally. At the dinner party, Tanya learned that the very next day the Relief Society president’s son was getting married, and the reception was at the church. She had left her out-of-town family wedding guests for two hours to make Tanya’s life a little less lonely. Upon hearing this, Tanya’s heart was deeply touched.

This sister is a wonderful example of an unconquerable spirit against time and convenience to make a lonely heart turn to gratitude. As stated in Luke, Martha and her sister Mary were visited by Jesus, “but Martha was cumbered about much serving,” while Mary “sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.” Service is not always convenient. During a busy holiday time, may we hear His word, and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost to make a difference in someone’s life.

Wendy M. Johnson

A number of years ago, some friends of ours were driving home late one night when an oncoming car jumped its lane and smashed into them, head-on. It was a horrible accident, and it cost the life of their two-year-old son. The tragedy rocked our neighborhood. Some of us visited the family on the night following the accident, expecting to find them hysterical with grief. Instead, we found ourselves sharing a special evening with them – swapping funny stories about their son, looking at photo albums, and hearing them bear testimony of the Plan of Happiness (Indeed, in a testimony meeting some weeks after the accident, the boy’s father would say, “After what has happened, some have asked us if we’re angry with the Lord. How could we be angry with the One who has given us everything?”). As their friends, we watched the Spirit buoy them up. In that way, the Lord came to them in their sorrow, and comforted them. Having been so comforted, they comforted the rest of us. We, who had loved their little boy and who were grieving, went home with lighter hearts. Incredibly, most of us (including our friends who lost their child) look back on that time as an era of peace, strength, and hope – not words that we ever guessed would characterize such a time of difficulty and loss.

Our walk through mortality can be arduous. Sorrows tend to befall us – sorrows we don’t understand, and didn’t prepare for. But to those weighed down by heavy things, the Savior said “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Sadly, it seems sometimes that the heavier we are laden, the more difficult it is to believe in the rescue that only the Savior can provide.

Lately, my wife and I have though much on the woes suffered by others among our friends, neighbors, and family. In our close circle, there are people who have suffered illness, violence, unemployment, depression, and more. But while (between the lot of us) there’s plenty of reason for sorrow and plenty of room for lament, we find ourselves instead in the midst of a time that we can only call blessed. We see the Lord coming to the rescue of our heavy-laden neighbors and friends. He has come in the quiet of prayer and study, and He has come as we’ve gathered together in each other’s homes, arms filled with food or flowers. The Lord comes. And we haven’t yet been able to cook up a difficulty great enough to stymie Him.

The Psalmist put it this way: “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,’” he wrote, “even the night shall be light around me” (Psalms 139:11). So many of us know how that feels: to experience darkness that we think will swallow us up, only to find the darkness made bright by the love of the Lord around us.

In the midst of a place and time fraught with danger and sorrow, if ever we find ourselves tempted to give ourselves over to despair, let us remember this: the Lord comes. Let us remember, and wait upon Him.