A stirring of the soul
Tonight I attended a church meeting for Relief Society sisters in our area. It was a wonderful evening filled with good food, friendship and an inspiring talk given by Marjorie D. Conder, the Former Curator for the Museum of Church History and Art. But before she spoke, a young woman by the name of Adrien Swenson sang “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” This is quite possibly one of my favorite songs, and I didn’t know it until tonight. My soul is still singing.
I wish I could replay Adrien singing this beautiful hymn for you—her voice is angelic. But since I couldn’t, I scoured YouTube for a version that would come close. I found this video from A Thanksgiving of American Fold Hymns by the BYU Combined Choirs and Orchestra. Enjoy…and may you feel a stirring in your soul as well. It does a body good.
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I also found this treasure. It’s by Sufjan Stevens and is a different but very beautiful take on this song. By the way, I think I’m Sufjan’s newest fan:
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Though I’m well aware the power music can have on the soul, I do enjoy a good reminder now and then. Have you had any reminders lately?
You can read more about the inspiration for this site 
I agree…music can be VERY powerful:-)
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I LOVE that song too. I was in the stake choir a few years ago and we sang it for Stake Conference. I feel in love with it. It is amazing.
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“Come Thou Fount” has always been a powerful song for me, though my emotions have changed over the years. Here’s why:
When I was young my family loved to sing together. We were fairly decent and sang in church every so often. We actually performed that very song when I was about 16 years old. The poetic and spiritual lyrics combined with the beautiful melody made it hard for me to finish the performance dry eyed.
10 years later my parents divorced. Unfortunately it was a very ugly split which has left all of us torn to bits. Now, when I hear “Come Thou Fount” I remember singing with my childhood family, once whole, and it breaks me apart. But it also serves as a reminder to me to protect my own little family, work on my marriage, and stay close to God.
I share this story not to be a downer but in agreement with your post – music is extremely powerful and a beautiful gift from the Lord.
xoxo
Lauren
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Emily Reply:
April 23rd, 2010 at 9:19 am
Lauren, thank you for sharing your touching story. Memories can be bittersweet–I’m glad you’re creating wonderful ones with your little family.
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Ohhhhh…. I LOVE “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing.” It’s my favorite hymn of all time (even though it’s no longer in the Hymn book). I feel so often like it describes in the song, like my heart is wandering I just want the Lord to take my heart and seal it to Him so I don’t wander anymore. Thanks for posting this! Love you, Em! xoxo
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Last week at church I was 48 minutes late, feeling overwhelmed having two children by myself, I hadn’t slept well at all the night before…and I had my fussy baby…
The choir for the other ward was singing, one woman in particular had the most uh-mazing voice. I sat in the back of the chapel, I was moved to tears, and Devin instantly stopped crying.
I love music. I love how it makes me feel reverent and boosts my soul.
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That really is a beautiful song. And I know Marj. She lives in my ‘hood. ;o) Small world.
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