(2007) How do we make sense of tragedy? Why do the best die young? Why doesn't the Lord stop a Trolley Square or Virginia Tech massacre or prevent a Salt Lake City bishop from losing almost his entire family in a car crash? As Ebeneezer Scrooge says in a defining moment, "How can we bear it?" With these questions heavy on my mind, I found solace in the 1948 hymnbook edition's hymn #267, "Not Now, But in the Coming Years." With all respect to James McGranahan, I felt Maxwell Cornelius' stunningly moving text needed a better, more emotional setting. And here it is. I feel this song would be very appropriate for grieving, funerals, etc. (2015) After years of this song being an emotional highlight for myself and many others, I am truly honored to announce that "Understand" won sole second place (Award of Merit) in the song category of the 2015 worldwide LDS Church music contest. I could not be happier with the recognition this creation is receiving. It was performed at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square in October 2015 by Mormon Tabernacle Choir soloist Katie Bastian (audio available on the Church's music website). My friend Jenny Smith lends her "official" interpretation here.