Because He Lives

In our Church, we are asked to serve in various capacities for varying amounts of time.  Last Fall I was asked to be the music leader for the seven to eleven-year-old children (Senior Primary).  This has been a tough calling for me.  That may surprise a lot of people, considering my love for and background in music, and also the fact that teaching and being in front of people is another thing that I enjoy.
Over time, I have learned to love the children and even enjoy my calling to serve in this way, despite it still being a weekly challenge.  One of the great blessings has been to help the children prepare for the Sacrament Meeting program this Fall. This year the theme is I Know My Savior Lives.  While there are many beautiful children's songs to portray this, I was hoping for something that would show all of us, not just the children, that we really do know Christ lives.  Sometime we just don't know that we know.
Thanks to my daughter for singing this for me.

Please contact musicbymarci@gmail.com for a copy of the sheet music.

A Quiet Place

Everyone needs a little more peace in life.  Hopefully this music will give you a bit of that.
Let me introduce you to Grant.

On September 16th, 6-year old Grant Goodsell began favoring his arm due to pain. His parents took him to the doctor after noticing some swelling the next day. Doctors performed an MRI, CT scan, as well as a biopsy of a mass that was found. Grant was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, which is in his arm and his lung. Grant’s first chemotherapy treatment was initiated on Sep. 24th. He will require 3 months of chemo, as well as daily shots to boost white blood cell counts, a daily regimen of anti-nausea and pain meds, and bi-weekly home health care for blood draws and lab work. He will also be required to have surgery which will likely result in the loss of his arm. This form of cancer has a survival rate of 20-40%.

Grant has an older brother named Christian, who is autistic. At the moment, Christian and Grant share a bedroom. One difficulty is that Christian does not understand all of the possible complications and extra care that Grant will require for the next year or so. We would like to help them finish their basement to put both boys in their own rooms so they may each have a bit more freedom and personal space.
As you can see, this sweet family has been through a lot.
All proceeds from this music will go to Gifts for Grant.  Please be generous.
Special thanks to Brittani Brown for sharing her vocal talents, Jessica Clarke for her beautiful violin performance and Mark Stephenson for his expertise in the studio.

Each purchase is for ONE copy the music only.  For multiple copies, please leave a specific message in your PayPal purchase and consider making a larger donation.

Suggested donation for mp3 - $2.00

Suggested Donation for sheet music - $5.00

The story behind the music:

Almost two years ago I entered a very difficult time in my life.  There were many hours when I felt so alone and yearned for relief.  At that time, a few phrases came to my mind.  They were words of my heart that I knew I needed to make into a song.  But life was too overwhelming.  For months those few phrases were all that existed.

In my struggles, I needed a quiet place to go to find that peace I so desperately wanted.  Though the moments were brief and sometimes unrecognized, they came.  They were just enough to get me to the next day, the next hour, the next moment.  But I had to give my heart to God to find them.

Almost a year later, I began to see more light, feel less burdened and find more hope.  And the words and music started to come.  Through the process of writing, I found so much peace.  I realized that my struggles over the previous months were what I needed to be more refined.  I discovered that I could do hard things.  I discovered that part of finding the quiet place each day was giving away my sins and weaknesses and coming to know Him more deeply.

After the music was finished, I put it away.  Like most of my music, I had no real plans to do anything with it.  There were just dreams that someday it may bring peace or joy to someone else.  And so for almost six months it sat untouched, almost forgotten.

Several weeks ago, shortly after I found out about Grant’s diagnosis, I remembered this song and I knew I needed to give it to him and his family.  As all of the plans evolved in my mind and then in reality, I realized that God knew all along this was intended for them.  I have seen His tender mercies and power as I have worked to make this a reality.

No matter how much I have struggled, I will never know the feelings they have at this time or how difficult their journey really is.  But God does and He is with them.  And hopefully, they and you can find some peace through a simple song.  It was written for them, whether I knew it at the time or not.  Now I dedicate it, and any funds it may raise, to them.  This is theirs – “A Quiet Place”.

Called in Our Youth

This is a hymn written for the Youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Please contact musicbymarci@gmail.com for a copy of the sheet music.

Gather Again

Christmas is a special time for most people but can be an emotionally difficult one as well.  This piece is for all those who may feel that Christmas will never be the same because life has changed or there has been a loss of a loved one.

Please contact musicbymarci@gmail.com for a copy of the sheet music.

The Story - 

This was written for my mother's father.  My grandpa was always a part of our lives, living within just a few miles of us as we grew up. He was raised in humble circumstances and grew to be a strength to those he knew. He was faithful, obedient, kind, loved to play with his grandchildren and told the silliest stories and jokes. When he became ill, I was in my second year of college. We knew his life would be short and as finals approached, his condition became much worse. I had just finished my last final of the day with one more to go in the week. Our apartment was full of friends when I got a phone call from my brother. My grandpa's at-home nurse had informed the family that morning that day would be his last and the family should be gathered.
My dear "little" brothers sacrificed their final hours with him to come and get me. We made it back within the last 30 minutes of his life on this earth. What a blessing it was to be there as he took his final breath. The Spirit filled the room and there was so much peace. I realized then that the miracle of death is just as amazing, if not more, than than the miracle of birth.Shortly after the funeral, I wanted to express my thoughts somehow. It was a special time for my family but how do you capture that? I spent the next several days confined to my room, at my keyboard and later at the computer. This song is the result. Most of my music comes with at least a good portion of labor, mulling, reworking and polishing. But this one just came and was finished in time for Christmas. It gives me a better understanding of Nephi's words when he says "And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myselfbecause of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, Iwould excuse myself." The errors in this music are because of my mortal imperfections. Everything else is strictly from God. It brings me peace and I hope this somehow brings you peace as well.
So this (long) tribute is to my grandfather. He is a good man. Then, now and always.

Founded in Faith

This is a choir piece about being firm in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, despite trials.

Please contact musicbymarci@gmail.com for a copy of the sheet music, available in the following formats:

Full choir
Hymn
SSA

Come to the House of the Lord

A song for children of all ages preparing to go to the temple.  Performed by three of my daughters with pictures of the Ogden, Utah temple.  This video was made to help me, my family and others prepare ourselves for the re-dedication of that temple.

Please contact musicbymarci@gmail.com for a copy of the sheet music.

The Story -

Originally this was going to be a spirited hymn but it turned to a primary song very quickly. One of my favorite things about this song is that it is the first of mine that my children actually sing.  It's an amazing and humbling experience to hear them sing a song I wrote as they go about their day. They continue to remind me that it's not about me. If I can teach them through music, then I'm succeeding to some degree, as an instrument in God's hands. It's His work, not mine.
I've had the internal battle a lot about sharing my music. If it can bring the Spirit to others, I want to share it. But if it is to promote myself, I have to step back. It's a fine line and I want to stay on the right side. I hope this song fills you with the Spirit and reminds you that it's not about any of us. It's about Him and how we get back to Him.