Hello Friends!

I’ve been really enjoying working on music lately. One of the fun updates here is that I’ve been collaborating with other musicians! One of those musician friends is Jana Johnson. I didn’t know it until today, but we grew up in the same Stake (10 or so church congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in an area) and our families know each other quite well. She was a fair bit older than me so we didn’t cross paths directly, but we have a lot of common background and a strong connection we didn’t even realize. So joyful.

Jana wrote this beautiful song and asked if I could help with the recording and production end of it. We had a fun day in my studio working (playing!) together.

This song tells the Bibical story of Peter. Peter and other disciples are in a boat in the middle of a stormy night. Through the limited visibility, the disciples see Jesus Christ walking toward them on the water. Jesus invites Peter to “Come” and Peter steps out of the boat. Then he takes a few steps on the water. He’s walking on water, just like Jesus! The storm catches his attention and he is afraid. He begins to sink, and cries out for help. Jesus reaches out and rescues Peter. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/new-testament-seminary-student-manual-2023/matthew-14-22-33?lang=eng)

This beautiful story is captured so well in this piece. I hope you enjoy it!

Composer: Jana Johnson

Lead Vocals: Laura Harper

Backup Vocals: Jana Johnson

Piano arrangement and piano recording: Daniel Blomberg

Arrangement of backup instruments and Production: Laura Harper

Happy (late) Easter, friends!

I have been working on an Easter song, and it’s ready to share. It’s called “Hosanna!” and it tells the story of Jesus Christ coming to visit the people in ancient America after his resurrection. This story is found in the Book of Mormon, in 3rd Nephi 11.

The word hosanna has 2 main meanings: one is a plea for divine help (“Save now!” as I’ve heard it translated). The other is an exclamation of praise. What a neat word.

I believe in a living Savior- He who died, was resurrected, and is closely involved in my life. I have come to know Him as gentle and loving, merciful and always ready to offer divine help- as much as I’m willing to accept. I love Him and am deeply grateful to Him.

Here is the recording and sheet music. Enjoy.

Sometimes I forget how long it’s been since I’ve had littles. You know- little babies, little toddlers, little elementary school kiddos. Littles. It’s been a while. This picture was taken when my youngest turned 1- 11 years ago! All mine are over 10 now and they can wipe their own faces, pee without oversight, and put themselves in bed (maybe more importantly- back in bed!). Halle-freaking-luia!

A few weeks ago I had a lovely conversation with my little sister, Robin. She has 4 littles and is a wonderful mother. After we talked, I was thinking about the load a young mother carries and wondered what I could do to support her. The thought came to my mind, “Tell this mother she is loved.” I thought how important it is for young mothers to know they are loved, and that their sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. I thought of how the excitement and fulfillment and joy of this motherhood stage happens during this time when our souls are stretched often way past capacity and we are often exhausted. It’s both.

I didn’t want to paint a picture of “motherhood is so much work, so hard and exhausting”- because I think that doesn’t represent the joy and delight of this stage. But I did want to be honest about the challenges that come with the little ones, and to send the message that Mom’s needs matter too, and there are moments when we as Moms can stop and breathe and do something to care for ourselves. After all, we are not alone in this most important work.

This song is dedicated to Robin Perry- Love ya, Sis!

Love

Laur