My Heavenly Father Loves Me is a Piano/Vocal Version of 17 Children' Songbook Favorites performed by John Canaan and Marvin Goldstein. 

Click on the highlighted song you'd like to hear.

1) Beautiful Savior
2) My Heavenly Father Loves Me 
3) I'm Trying to be Like Jesus
4) Every Star is Different
5) When I Am Baptized
6) He Sent His Son
7) I Feel My Savior's Love
8) When He Comes Again
9) I'll Walk With You
10) Keep The Commandments
11) Families Can Be Together Forever
12) Search Ponder and Pray
13) Teach Me to Walk in the Light
14) A Child's Prayer
15) I am a Child of God
16) How Will They Know?
17) Mother Tell Me the Story

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To view lyrics and thoughts on some of the songs, see below:

Special thanks to Les and Lee Stephenson for assistance in production. Thanks to Shane and Linda Jackman for the cover design and to Joyful Moments Photography for the wonderful picture. Thanks to Megan Gibbons and Margo Canaan for lending their beautiful voices. Most of all, special thanks to Marvin Goldstein who not only played wonderfully but who (with his wife Lanae) helped in the production of the vocals. Marvin’s piano playing reflects the kind of person he really is.

This CD is dedicated to the child within each of us. May we experience the pure love of Christ in “all the world around us” for the rest of our lives. - John Canaan

1.) Beautiful Savior 
Words: Anon, twelfth century. Music: Silesian1936 folk song

Fair is the sunshine. Fairer the moonlight--and all the stars in heaven above. Jesus shines brighter. Jesus shines purer and brings to all the world his love. Fair are the meadows. Fairer the woodlands. Robed in the flowers of blooming spring. Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer. He makes the sorrowing spirit sing. Beautiful Savior. Lord of the nations! Son of God Son of man! Thee will I honor, praise and give glory - Give praise and glory evermore.

2.) My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, b. 1904. C 1961 LDS. Arr. C 1989 LDS
“He gave my eyes that I might see the color of butterfly wings.” One of the things that so inspiring about children is that they totally live in the moment (vs. the future or past). In this moment they can see, smell or touch so many of the wonderful little things that we adults can sometimes miss.

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 our 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 reverently, for all his creations, of which I’m a part. Yes I know Heavenly Father loves me

3.) I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus
Words & Music: Natalie W. Sleeth, b. 1930. Arr., by A. Laurence Lyon, b. 1934, and Natalie W. Sleeth. C. 1989 by Sonos Music Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938 Copyright c 1980 Janice Kapp Perry.
I once visited with Janice Kapp Perry in a studio where we talked about the expression “trying” to be like Jesus. “What’s up with this ‘trying’ to be like Jesus, Janice?” I said. “I think we should change the words to ‘I’m going to be like Jesus.’ Don’t you think that would carry a little more punch?” (I think I’d been reading some motivational stuff that day or something so I was all into this kind of thing.) I’ll never forget her answer though. “John” she said, so meekly and humbly, “I think in this life, it’s enough to try.” There was something about the way she said “in this life” that left me feeling very much in agreement.

I’m trying to be like Jesus; I’m following in his ways. I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say. At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, but I try to listen as the still small voice whispers: ”Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in added and in thought, For these are the things Jesus taught.” I’m trying to love my neighbor: I’m learning to serve my friends,. I’ watch for the day of gladness when Jesus will come again. I try to remember the lessons he taught, Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts, saying…

4.) Every Star is Different
Words: John C. Cameron, b. 1951 Music: K. Newell Dayley, b. 1939 Copyright c 1980 by K. Newell Dayley
One of my favorite people in the world is Mr. Rogers. I love Mr. Rogers. I’m 46 years old and I still watch his show once in a while. He looks right at me (at least it seems like it) and says “…and remember, you are special, just for being you.” Thanks Mr. Rogers, and the writers of this song, for helping me to remember. I can give so much by just being me.

Every star is different. And so is every child. Some are bright and happy. And some are meek and mild. Every one is needed For just what he can do. You’re the only person who ever can be you. A shining star, shining brightly-- Not so very far, shining brightly; Be a shining star. Shine so brightly; Shine right were you are, brightly. I can shine for others and let them feel my love- Follow the commandments that come from God above, I can help another to learn to choose the right. Having faith and courage will let my stare shine bright.

5.) When I Am Baptized
Words and music: Nita Dale Milner, b. 1952; adapted. C 1989 LDS
The weight of our negative choices can be great. A child’s face after (and before) his baptism reflects how we, even as adults can experience the weight of certain choices being lifted from our shoulders and melted away in the Savior’s infinite love and atonement.

I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain and ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again. I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain. I want to be the best I can and live with God again. I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away, And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.

6.) He Sent His Son
Words: Mabel Jones Gabbot, b. 1910 Music: Michael Finlinson Moody, b. 1941
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son-- that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness? He sent his son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness. How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go? He sent his Son to walk with men on earth that we may know. How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death? He sent his son to die for us and rise with living breath. What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say? Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way. What does he ask? Live like his Son.

7.) I Feel My Savior’s Love
Words: Ralph Rodgers Jr. b. 1936; K. Newell Dayley, b. 1939; and Laurie Huffman, b. 1948 Music: K. Newell Dayley, b. 1939
I sang this wonderful little primary song at a home for mentally retarded children in Provo once. We sang it together. I had heard congregations sing the song many times before, but never with such conviction. I looked at each face, beaming with the knowledge that Jesus loved him or her. They really did feel their Savior’s love. So why can’t I sometimes? I wondered. Have you ever done this experiment? Look around the room you are in and find everything that’s brown. Got it?  O.K. Now close your eyes and tell me what is blue, or yellow, or green. Somehow, these sweet, spiritually gifted children were not tuned in to what was missing in their lives (or, in other words, to the brown), but to what was present (the colors)-They neither looked for brown, nor saw it, but looked for their Savior’s love, believed it was there, and found it.

I feel my Savior’s Love, in all the world around me. His Spirit warms my soul. Through everything I see. He knows I will follow him, Give all my life to him. I feel my Savior’s love. The love he freely gives me. I feel my Savior’s Love. Its gentleness enfolds me. And when I kneel to pray, My heart is filled with peace. I feel my Savior’s love and know that he will bless me. I offer him my heart. My shepherd he will be.

8.) When He Comes Again
Words & Music: Mirla Greenwood Thayne, b. 1907 Copyright c 1952 Mirla Greenwood Thayne, Provo, Ut. Renewed 1980

I wonder, when he comes again, Will herald angels sing? Will earth be white with drifted snow, Or will the world know spring? I wonder if one star will shine far brighter than the rest: Will daylight stay the whole night through? Will songbirds leave their nests? I’m sure he’ll call his little ones together round his knee, because he said in days gone by, “Suffer them to come to me.” I wonder, when he comes again, Will I be ready there. To look upon his loving face And join with him in praye3r? Each day I’ll try to do his will and let my light so shine. That others seeing me may seek for greater light divine. Then when that blessed day is here, He’ll love me and he’ll say, “You’ve served me well, my little child; Come unto my arms to stay.”

9.) I’ll Walk With You
Words: Carol Lynn Pearson, b. 1939. C 1987 LDS Music: Reid N. Nibley, b. 1923 c 1987 LDS
It’s easy to hang out with the popular ones, the rich or famous or “important” --the ones that are totally accepted and admired in this world. There are others though, that have much to offer, only in other realms-who, in their limitations can open up a world of tenderness and empathy inside of us. To walk with them, and talk with them can lead us to some very special and beautiful places-- for them and for us.

If you don’t walk as most people do some people walk away from you. But I won’t! I won’t! If you don’t talk as most people do, some people talk and laugh at you, but I won’t I won’t! I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you. That’s how I’ll show my love for you. Jesus walked away from none. He game his love to everyone. So I will! I will! Jesus blessed all he could see, Then turned and said, “Come follow me.” And I’ will! I will! I will! I will! I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you. That’s how I’ll show my love for you.

10.) Keep the Commandments
Words and music: Barara A. McConochie, b. 1940. C 1775 LDS.

Keep the commandments: keep the commandments! In this there is safety; in this there is peace. He will send blessings; He will send blessings. Words of a prophet; Keep the commandments. In this there is safety and peace. We are His children; we are His children, and we must be tested to show we are true. Hold to His promises; Hold to His promises-- Heeding the prophets (to chorus)

11.) Families Can Be Together Forever
Words: Ruth Muir Gardner, b. 1927. C 1980 LDS Music: Vanja Y. Watkins, b. 1938. C 1980 LDS
Somehow, after all the awards are given, cities built, wars won, accomplishments achieved… somehow there is just one thing that seems to matter most… family. To feel connected with the ones I love-- to feel like I am part of them and they are part of me forever and ever is a very sweet thing to me.  

I have a family here on earth. They are so good to me. I want to share my life with them through all eternity. Families can be together forever. Though Heav’nly Father’s plan. I always want to be with my own family, And the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can. While I am in my early years, I’ll prepare most carefully. So I can marry in God’s temple for eternity.

12.) Search, Ponder and Pray
Words: Jaclyn Thomas Milne, b. 1949. C 1986 LDS Music: Carol Baker Black, b. 1951 c 1986 LDS

I love to read the Holy Scriptures, and every time I do I feel the Spirit start to grow within my heart-a testimony that they’re true. Search, ponder and pray are the things that I must do. The sprit will guide and deep inside, I’ll know the scriptures are true. So prayerfully I’ll read the scriptures each day my whole life through. I’ll come to understand. I’ll heed the Lords’ command and live, as he would have me do.

13.) Teach Me to Walk in the Light
Words and music: Clara W. McMaster, b. 1964. C 1958 LDS Copyright renewed 1986.

Teach me to walk in the light of his love. Teach me to pray to my Father above. Teach me to know of the things that are right; Teach me, teach me to walk in the light. Come little child and together we’ll learn of his commandments, that we may return home to his presence to live in his sight-always, always, to walk in the light. Father in Heaven we thank thee this day for loving guidance to show us the way. Grateful we praise thee with songs of delight! Gladly, gladly, we’ll walk in the light.

14.) A Child’s Prayer
Words and music: Janice Kapp Perry, b. 1938 Copyright c 1984 by Janice Kapp Perry.

Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer every child’s prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, but I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now, something that Jesus told disciples long ago: “Suffer the children to come to me.” Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee. Pray he is there. Speak, he is listening. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heaven.

15.) I Am a Child of God
Words: Naomi W. Randall c 1957 c 1978 LDS Music: Mildred Tanner Pettit, c 1957 LDS
I was thinking about having some business cards made up, but instead of having them say what I did, they would say who I was. Wouldn’t that be fun? -- i.e. “John Canaan - Child of God.” Doesn’t that sound better than “attorney,” “real estate appraiser,” “writer,” or “professional singer.” What does this mean…? “I am a Doctor?!” Maybe what I do does tell you a couple of things about who I am or what I value. I’m not sure though. I think the “I Am a Child of God” card would be much better. Because that is who I really am.

I am a child of God and he has sent me here. Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me. Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do to live with him some day. I am a child of God and so my needs are great. Help me to understand his words, before it grows too late.

16.) How Will They Know?
Words & Music: Natalie W. Sletth, b. 1930. Arr., by A. Laurence Lyon, b. 1934, and Natalie W. Sleeth. C. 1989 by Sonos Music Resources, Orem, UT

How will they know the ones for whom we care that God is love and with us everywhere, That life is good, with blessings all can share? How will they know unless we teach them so? How will they learn that thought they go a stray, God will forgive and help them find the way? How will they feel the Spirit day by day? How will they know unless we teach them so. How will they grow in wisdom and delight? How will they choose to follow what is right? How can they trust the future will be bright? How will they know unless we show them? How will they live when they at last are grown? What will they give to children of their own? Will they reflect the values we have shown? How will they know, as on through life they go. How will they know unless we strive to teach them so?


17.) Tell Me the Stories
Sung by Geoffrey and Margo Canaan.  Guitar: John Canaan