Friday, August 31, 2007

Alabaster Box - Cece Winans

Cece Winans sings this praise and worship song beautifully.


Thursday, August 30, 2007

Blessings



Among my blessings I have recently received, are the many sweet friends I have met through this blog, which I began the middle of July. I have loved visiting and commenting on blogs for a long time. At times, I have had a very long list in my favorites, 2+ pages at least. Also, I have recently been blessed to win a book and a CD.

Maxine, at Nanna's Reflections, posted a riddle that she made up. It was lots of fun trying to figure it out. I was finally brave enough to guess first, and won! You can scroll down very slowly, as to not see my answer, and see if you can guess it. Maxine's blog is very interesting, as she beautifully writes about family, devotionals, hymns and poems, and a variety of other topics. She is a very busy, smart, homeschooling mother, and has three other places for us to visit.

Then I won Josh Groban's new CD at Barb's A Chelsea Morning. She gave away four CDs, and I was one of the four winners, out of 163 entered! Barb shares her life on her blog. She has a very cute sense of humor, and everyone loves stories about her grandson, dog, family and weddings. Her blog is also inspirational with homekeeping ideas.

Also, some sweet friends have honored me by making unique names from a name meme. I already told you about Candy's precious "special name", which is on my sidebar. Also, Mimi and Patricia made lovely names for me, also on the sidebar.

Image courtesy of All Posters

All Creatures of Our God and King




All creatures of our God and King, Lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou burning sun with golden beam, Thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, aleluia!



Azure I by Chris Simpson
Azure I


Thou rushing wind that art so strong, Ye clouds that sail in heav'n along, O praise Him, Alleluia! Thou rising moon in praise rejoice, Ye lights of evening, find a voice, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!


Flowing Water by Robert Spencer
Flowing Water


Thou flowing water, pure and clear, Make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia, Alleluia! Thou fire so masterful and bright, That givest man both warmth and light, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!



Prayers Of Love by Dona Gelsinger
Prayers Of Love


And all ye men of tender heart, Forgiving others, take your part, O sing ye, Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, Praise God and on Him cast your care, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!



Angels Playing Violon by William Adolphe Bouguereau
Angels Playing Violon


Let all things their Creator bless, And worship Him in humbleness, O praise Him, Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One, O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!


Text: St Francis of Assisi; translated by William H. Draper
Music: Geistliche Kirchengesange, Cologne 1623

These words are beautiful, and I did not realize they were written
by St. Francis of Assisi.

You can hear the hymn at Cyber Hymnal.

Pictures courtesy of
All Posters

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Sing, O barren

I wanted to post this encouraging evening devotional by Charles Spurgeon.



Floral Grandeur
Floral Grandeur



Isaiah 54:1
Sing, O barren.


Though we have brought forth some fruit unto Christ, and have a joyful hope that we are "plants of His own right hand planting," yet there are times when we feel very barren. Prayer is lifeless, love is cold, faith is weak, each grace in the garden of our heart languishes and droops. We are like flowers in the hot sun, requiring the refreshing shower. In such a condition what are we to do? The text is addressed to us in just such a state. "Sing, O barren, break forth and cry aloud." But what can I sing about? I cannot talk about the present, and even the past looks full of barrenness. Ah! I can sing of Jesus Christ. I can talk of visits which the Redeemer has aforetimes paid to me; or if not of these, I can magnify the great love wherewith He loved His people when He came from the heights of heaven for their redemption. I will go to the cross again. Come, my soul, heavy laden thou wast once, and thou didst lose thy burden there. Go to Calvary again. Perhaps that very cross which gave thee life may give thee fruitfulness. What is my barrenness? It is the platform for His fruit-creating power. What is my desolation? It is the black setting for the sapphire of His everlasting love. I will go in poverty, I will go in helplessness, I will go in all my shame and backsliding, I will tell Him that I am still His child, and in confidence in His faithful heart, even I, the barren one, will sing and cry aloud. Sing, believer, for it will cheer thine own heart, and the hearts of other desolate ones. Sing on, for now that thou art really ashamed of being barren, thou wilt be fruitful soon; now that God makes thee loath to be without fruit He will soon cover thee with clusters. The experience of our barrenness is painful, but the Lord's visitations are delightful. A sense of our own poverty drives us to Christ, and that is where we need to be, for in Him is our fruit found.

Wall tapestry courtesy of All Posters

Strength




Joe 3:10 -
Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong.


Neh: 8:10
Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Ex 15:
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.


2Sa 22:33 -
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

1Ch 16:11 -
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

1Ch 16:28 -
Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

1Ch 29:12 -
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Ps 18:1 -
I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

Ps 18:2
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

Ps 18:32 -
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Ps 19:14 -
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Ps 28:7 -
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Ps 29:11 -
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Ps 46:1 -
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Ps 118:14 -
The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

Isa 26:4 -
Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Isa 40:31 -
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isa 40:29 -
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Re 5:12 -
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.


Image courtesy of Snapshots of Joy

Monday, August 27, 2007

Immanuel - Songs of Praise

I found this video of some precious children singing praises to God.


Friday, August 24, 2007

"Abide With Me"

Midsummer Night's Dream by Liv Carson
Midsummer Night's Dream


Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.


A decayed tree stump in a field of golden grass by Raul Touzon
A decayed tree stump in a field of golden grass

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; O Thou Who changest not, abide with me.


Christ in Clouds by Danny Hahlbohm
Christ in Clouds


I need Thy presence every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through clouds and sunshine, O abide with me.


You Are Safe by David Sorensen
You Are Safe


I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.


Homecoming by Danny Hahlbohm
Homecoming



Hold Thou Thy Cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.


Words: Henry F. Lyte
Music: William H. Monk

I did not realize that Lyte wrote this as he was dying of tuberculosis.


You can listen to the hymn at Cyber Hymnal.

Images courtesy of All Posters

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Eagles

With a seven-foot wing span, a northern American bald eagle soars in for a landing by Norbert Rosing
With a seven-foot wing span, a northern American bald eagle soars in for a landing



Exodus 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Jeremiah 4:13 Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are faster than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.


Picture courtesy of All Posters

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Unsearchable Riches of Christ

This is a beautiful evening devotional I just received by Charles H.Spurgeon. I love his devotional books.

Evening ...

Ephesians 3:8
The unsearchable riches of Christ.

My Master has riches beyond the count of arithmetic, the measurement of reason, the dream of imagination, or the eloquence of words. They are unsearchable! You may look, and study, and weigh, but Jesus is a greater Saviour than you think Him to be when your thoughts are at the greatest. My Lord is more ready to pardon than you to sin, more able to forgive than you to transgress. My Master is more willing to supply your wants than you are to confess them. Never tolerate low thoughts of my Lord Jesus. When you put the crown on His head, you will only crown Him with silver when He deserves gold. My Master has riches of happiness to bestow upon you now. He can make you to lie down in green pastures, and lead you beside still waters. There is no music like the music of His pipe, when He is the Shepherd and you are the sheep, and you lie down at His feet. There is no love like His, neither earth nor heaven can match it. To know Christ and to be found in Him-oh! this is life, this is joy, this is marrow and fatness, wine on the lees well refined. My Master does not treat His servants churlishly; He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him for ever. His unsearchable riches will be best known in eternity. He will give you on the way to heaven all you need; your place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks, your bread shall be given you, and your waters shall be sure; but it is there, THERE, where you shall hear the song of them that triumph, the shout of them that feast, and shall have a face-to-face view of the glorious and beloved One. The unsearchable riches of Christ! This is the tune for the minstrels of earth, and the song for the harpers of heaven. Lord, teach us more and more of Jesus, and we will tell out the good news to others.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Rain

Rolling hills with mountains in distance, Hopfgarten, Austria by Jerry Galea
Rolling hills with mountains in distance, Hopfgarten, Austria



Psalm 104:13 He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.


After the Rain by William Preston
After the Rain



Leviticus 26:4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

Psalm 68:9 Thou, O God didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.

Psalm 72:6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that watereth the earth.

Psalm 147:8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

Zechariah 14:17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Acts 14:17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.


Sunrise Reflection by John Gavrilis
Sunrise Reflection


Psalm 104:24 O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.



images courtesy of All Posters

Monday, August 20, 2007

Nora: The Sequel

This is the sequel to Nora, the piano playing cat.


Sunday, August 19, 2007

Name Meme

A few days ago, Candy tagged me for this name meme. She made me such a pretty "special name" that I put on my sidebar. Believe me, I am not creative on this computer at all, and I don't have a camera. Finally I did come up with an idea. I made some music names that I placed on my sidebar.

My blog friends are challenged to: Write 8 of your blog friends names in a unique way and post them. Then come back over and let me know. You must write the blogger's name that tagged you, then add seven others. Be creative and if possible use the natural wonders of the world! I enjoy all of your blogs so much. I have created names for Candy, Jodi, Mimi, Barbara, Kelli, Saija, Patricia, Sharon and Betty.

If you haven't been tagged yet, and would like to do this meme, feel free to join in.

Maybe you will be able to "save as" if you want to. If you do, let me know, so I can remove the name from my sidebar. Thanks.

I guess all may not understand that I created the notes, to sing or play on an instrument, for each name.

Well, I'm sorry, but I don't think my efforts worked out. It's the thought that counts. I don't think the names can be transferred from here, but I did try.

If you want to, you are welcome to just place the little notes on your sidebar. I just used Bold print and the different colors. That may work. One friend said she just highlighted, copied, and pasted it in her html file.

Friday, August 17, 2007

Nicole Mullen - Redeemer

I think Nicole Mullen is a wonderful singer, songwriter, and I love her song "Redeemer."


Thursday, August 16, 2007

"In the Garden"

This is a beautiful old hymn.

Tranquil Garden by Barbara Mock
Tranquil Garden

I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.

Refrain

And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there None other has ever known.




Bird Bath by Dr. Jeremy Paul
Bird Bath


He speaks and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing; And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.




Refrain





Evening Light by Robert Duncan
Evening Light


I'd stay in the garden with Him Tho the night around me befalling; But He bids me go-- thru the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.

Refrain

Text and Music: C. Austin Miles

And now you can go to Cyber Hymnal to listen to the hymn.



images courtesy of All Posters

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The Name of Jesus

I thought I would post this hymn today to encourage others.


How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds


Names of Christ
Names of Christ



How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer's ear!
It soothes his sorrows, heals, his wounds, And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul And to the weary, rest.

Dear name! the rock on which I build, My shield and hiding place;
My never failing treasure, filled With boundless stores of grace!

Jesus, my Shepherd, Brother, Friend, My prophet, Priest and King,
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Accept this praise I bring.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim With ev 'ry fleeting breath;
And may the music of Thy name Refresh my soul in death.


Text: John Newton
Music: Alexander R. Reinagle

You can hear the music at Cyber Hymnal.


This song came to me one day while driving to the mall.


A New Song by Carolyn Shores Wright
A New Song


Beautiful Is His Name

Beautiful is His name, the name above all other names,
The name of Jesus.
At His name, all knees must bow in heavn and on the earth,
At the name of Jesus.
For, no other name, is filled with power, and authority,
Majesty and dominion over all the earth,
The name of the Lord.
Beautiful is His name.
Beautiful is His name.
Beautiful is the name of the Lord.

Beautiful is his name, the name of God's beloved son,
The name of Jesus.
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God,
Is our Lord Jesus.
At His very name, all knees must bow in heavn and on the earth.
For He reigns in power over all the earth,
Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Beautiful is His name.
Beautiful is His name.
Beautiful is the name of the Lord.

Words and music by Cathy L. Simpson



images courtesy of All Posters

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Eagerly Awaiting

Triplets!


Baby Garden Sunrise
Baby Garden Sunrise



Our family is eagerly awaiting the arrival of triplets to my nephew and his wife. She has been resting in the hospital since a week and a half before the 28 weeks that the doctors wanted her to reach. They are hoping for 2 more weeks when they will be 30 weeks old. There are two little girls and a big little boy. :-) I would appreciate your prayers for a safe delivery by c-section and for healthy, perfect little babies, my dear friends.

Update: The 30 weeks have passed and they are still resting in the hospital. The little babies probably weigh around 3 pounds now. :-) Thank you for the prayers. She said "They are working."

Update: 31 weeks and going strong-
Hi everyone!
Here's the latest news on the "Little Triplets" -

Mother and the babies are 31 weeks along and still doing fine in the hospital. They had a sonogram on Thursday, and "Baby A" (girl) is 3 lbs., 7 oz. - she is in the head down "get me outta here" position and has been for a while now! I think she wants to be in place when the excitement starts happening. "Baby B" (girl) is 3 lbs., 6 oz. and is hangin' in there tight with her twin sister. She is still head down too, and second in line. "Baby C" (big boy) is 3 lbs., 10 oz., and he has decided to move to the head up position! (This is fine since Mother will be having a c-section.) The doctors are thrilled with how she is doing and how the babies are developing.

Thank you for your prayers. :-)




images courtesy of All Posters

Monday, August 13, 2007

Nora The Piano Cat

I don't know if you have seen this before, but as a piano player, I think it is just adorable. What a music lover cat she is, listening to the music and playing the piano. Her owner is a music teacher I believe. There is also a sequel, which I will probably post.


Sunday, August 12, 2007

Hope

Little Hope by Dona Gelsinger
Little Hope


I often used to set scripture to music. I hope the following song I wrote and scripture on hope will be an encouragement to others.

Psalm 42:11
Psalm 43: 3,4

Click here to listen to the music.


Why art thou cast down, O my soul, O my soul?
And why art thou disquieted within me? and more.
ho
Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him,
Who is the health of my countenance and my God, and my God.
O send out thy light and thy truth,
Then will I go to the altar of God, unto God, my exceeding joy.

Music copyright 1995 "Wordsong Collection" Cathy L. Simpson

Job 11:18 And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea thou shalt dig about thee, and shalt take thy rest in safety.

Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Psalm 33: 18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.

Psalm 71:14 But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more.
Psalm 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

Psalm 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

Proverbs 26:12 Seeth thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Proverbs 29:20 Seeth thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

Jeremiah 31:17 And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.

Lamentations 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentations 3:26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Joel 3:16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Romans 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

1Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

1Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have ye ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

2Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

1Timothy 1:1 Paul, An apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in you hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.


images courtesy of All Posters

Thursday, August 9, 2007

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

Give Thanks by Grant
Give Thanks



During this long hot summer season, we often complain about the heat. I have already heard it said: "When will fall be here?" So this Bible verse came to my mind. And I found a beautiful hymn of praise to the Lord.


For the Beauty of the Earth


Summer Garden by Jacqueline Penney
Summer Garden



For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth, Over and around us lies; Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.


Sunlight Under The Poplars by Claude Monet
Sunlight Under The Poplars



For the wonder of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.


A Mother's Joy by Bessie Pease Gutmann
A Mother's Joy



For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child; Friends on earth and friends above; For all gentle thoughts and mild: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.


Gathering Place by Ann Mount
Gathering Place



For thy Church that evermore Lifteth holy hands above, Offering up on every shore Her pure sacrifice of love: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.


Jesus
Jesus



For Thyself, best gift divine, To our race so freely given; For that great, great love of Thine, Peace on earth and joy in heaven: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.


Words: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint (1864)
Music: Konrad Kocher (1838)

You can listen to the hymn at The Cyber Hymnal.


images courtesy of All Posters

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

"The Prayer"

This prayer sung by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli is lovely.


Tuesday, August 7, 2007

"Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee"

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee


Summer Garden by Alfred Fontville de Breanski
Summer Garden



Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory,
Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,
Opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,
Drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day.


Cardinal's Home by Barbara Mock
Cardinal's Home



All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heaven reflect Thy rays, Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flowery meadow, flashing sea, Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee.



The Greatest Virtue is Love
The Greatest Virtue is Love



Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest! Thou, our Father, Christ, our Brother, All who live in love are Thine; Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.



Sweet By and By by Lorraine Brewer
Sweet By and By



Mortals, join the happy chorus Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o'er us, Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us Sunward In the triumph song of life.


Words: Henry van Dyke
Music: Ludwig van Beethoven

You can listen to the hymn at Cyber Hymnal

Pictures courtesy of All Posters

Monday, August 6, 2007

"Shout To The Lord"

This is a very beautiful worship song written by Darlene Zschech.


Saturday, August 4, 2007

"LITTLE BROWN CHURCH IN THE VALE"

While searching hymns the other day, I found another website that lists and plays hymns. This old hymn was one of my mother's favorites I believe.

Word of the Lord by Jack Sorenson
Word of the Lord


LITTLE BROWN CHURCH IN THE VALE
Church in the Wildwood

There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood,
As the little brown church in the vale.

Refrain

Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the dale,
No spot is so dear to my childhood,
As the little brown church in the vale.

How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning,
To list to the clear ringing bell;
Its tones so sweetly calling,
Oh, come to the church in the vale.

Refrain

There, close by the church in the valley,
Lies one that I loved so well;
She sleeps, sweetly sleeps, 'neath the willow,
Disturb not her rest in the vale.

Refrain

There, close by the side of that loved one,
To trees where the wildflowers bloom,
When the farewell hymn shall be chanted
I shall rest by her side in the tomb.

Refrain

From the church in the valley in the wildwood,
When day fades away into night,
I would fain from this spot of my childhood
Wing my way to the mansions of light.

Refrain

Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the dale,
No spot is so dear to my childhood,
As the little brown church in the vale.

Words and Music: William Savage Pitts (1857)

Listen to the hymn at The Cyber Hymnal

You can also find the hymn here listed as Church in the Wildwood.

Picture courtesy of All Posters

Thursday, August 2, 2007

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing"

This is a very beautiful version of the hymn. Words: Robert Robinson (1758) Music: John Wyeth (1812)


Wednesday, August 1, 2007

"The King of Love My Shepherd Is"

This is a beautiful old hymn, and I did not realize it was sung at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. The tune I am familiar with is the second one beside the author's name.

The Lord Is My Shepherd, 23rd Psalm
The Lord Is My Shepherd, 23rd Psalm


The King of Love My Shepherd Is

The King of love my shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.

Living Water by Danny Hahlbohm
Living Water


Where streams of living water flow, My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And, where the verdant pastures grow, With food celestial feedeth.

Homecoming by Danny Hahlbohm
Homecoming


Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid, And home, rejoicing, brought me.

Words: Henry W. Baker (1868)
Music: John B. Dykes (1868)

You can hear the hymn and read the last three verses at Cyber Hymnal.

Pictures courtesy of All Posters