tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55180971769250578062024-03-04T21:36:16.565-08:00Caitlin Jane's Cornertaking pause between the goings and doings of life to let one's soul be still...Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-88062410254426775222020-01-29T18:59:00.002-08:002020-01-29T19:02:17.753-08:00H E A R T B E A T !<div style="text-align: center;">
BRAND NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">H E A R T B E A T</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">THE STORY BEHIND HEARTBEAT...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was originally inspired to write this song for my baby boy, Joseph Zion, after </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">the miracle and wonder of hearing his heartbeat for the first time </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, when my baby girl came along, I added a verse for our sweet Eliana Brooke. (Her brother loved to dance to the sound of her heartbeat at my prenatal checkups!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My hope is that this song will remind each of you that </span><strong style="font-family: inherit;">we are all children of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image, by His love. </strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every baby has a heart which begins to beat only </span><strong style="font-family: inherit;">22 days</strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"> after conception and contiues to beat approximately</span><strong style="font-family: inherit;"> 54 million times</strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"> before birth! I pray that every child's heartbeat will be protected and cherished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When our Ellie was only 2 1/2 months old, she had her first day in the studio while I recorded "Heartbeat" with a fabulous team, including ukulele player, </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/b7oQ6dzV91F_p6RcdKRFymSrVxnRNA197U6HHehyM6mxqFSMtZAjfAjDszzqDnm_CTBBQ2StRKpvYadTBIFmZSLulHgpbauI5sglH1_BUapszfpELQwABF3OlgCTMTWiGmFg1eFYhI9B9R1tRYLvS8hduLhR-OFOKknqOhDu7B-AGaQ&source=gmail&ust=1580426740783000&usg=AFQjCNG_bM5I2TFWPzX70r_RtpBuQ5mIWg" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/b7oQ6dzV91F_p6RcdKRFymSrVxnRNA197U6HHehyM6mxqFSMtZAjfAjDszzqDnm_CTBBQ2StRKpvYadTBIFmZSLulHgpbauI5sglH1_BUapszfpELQwABF3OlgCTMTWiGmFg1eFYhI9B9R1tRYLvS8hduLhR-OFOKknqOhDu7B-AGaQ" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">David Booze</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, and Grammy award-winning producer, Glenn Barratt. Joey made his grand debut on this track...listen closely at the end of the song to hear his little heartbeat! The cover design was created by my awesome sister-in-law, </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/JgG9Q9CCM9HkmMeOftp4MPm-wFV2i8J-A1TrhNFM0k5ZqgRan4ID9G1QVlynwfMsb3KtI3n7derUKrkmNVGVXjOKe6LDO7ZjN4hGC9IinMIFTdNvWye75EtH2-rh7du8sxPLlSqeMUAOz5JXMu2fC8wajeHKccmWWs3P0kkI3rPfDO_I-y7hKyjJPWVjvK8HDbYMbzE&source=gmail&ust=1580426740783000&usg=AFQjCNHb6PYTKifmXktqeLaX4DOua794bQ" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/JgG9Q9CCM9HkmMeOftp4MPm-wFV2i8J-A1TrhNFM0k5ZqgRan4ID9G1QVlynwfMsb3KtI3n7derUKrkmNVGVXjOKe6LDO7ZjN4hGC9IinMIFTdNvWye75EtH2-rh7du8sxPLlSqeMUAOz5JXMu2fC8wajeHKccmWWs3P0kkI3rPfDO_I-y7hKyjJPWVjvK8HDbYMbzE" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Christy Hassell</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My friends, Rachael & Andrew Sales (from <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/ngeeANgmRT6CyVqPTpTpnH2-h_aTMLt4OFjlM-s82l5C2iymH-vlMTv-8IbmMA41MhfhOgwsyeOTB-Jb0U-OM_7cjl7DR6jFcDXqpNvvCFvw0zx42toKp6IVxvoxMfVJuZU5uLLenX-KOHy4WuWjxrB4dI1EI2QUulJ-LDXvAiu1uPbXAyj0TSA&source=gmail&ust=1580426740783000&usg=AFQjCNFtP2zvIBKylZWap_zMBzIkCAq9rg" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/ngeeANgmRT6CyVqPTpTpnH2-h_aTMLt4OFjlM-s82l5C2iymH-vlMTv-8IbmMA41MhfhOgwsyeOTB-Jb0U-OM_7cjl7DR6jFcDXqpNvvCFvw0zx42toKp6IVxvoxMfVJuZU5uLLenX-KOHy4WuWjxrB4dI1EI2QUulJ-LDXvAiu1uPbXAyj0TSA" target="_blank">Owl & Foxe</a> Productions / <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/2MthVpIdeh0bLS2nP_J-KXJVIkmj0DYbnAyCuG1OJr-ySnVcb1wrjSCGrn6XqetM3hxEKS3mXWlCk2THoA-CN0Hohm54A2iAf7W93E8PV2Ne4MOhclti0rdeAbbD8Sx5zg6Bc_yb9MjmTKTs9tKjNQLE_6POxb37W52btndlWABVbpxwzkARNuX_ZjaMOw&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNFM6tmQpcHfFcNp5eG80GYe7YYxPw" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/2MthVpIdeh0bLS2nP_J-KXJVIkmj0DYbnAyCuG1OJr-ySnVcb1wrjSCGrn6XqetM3hxEKS3mXWlCk2THoA-CN0Hohm54A2iAf7W93E8PV2Ne4MOhclti0rdeAbbD8Sx5zg6Bc_yb9MjmTKTs9tKjNQLE_6POxb37W52btndlWABVbpxwzkARNuX_ZjaMOw" target="_blank">Color and Sound Goods</a>), created a vibrant, animated music video that will make your heart beat with joy! We released "Hearbeat" on Friday, January 24th in honor of the 47th annual March for Life. The song is available on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/pQlBe-YFZJQ7IcN4j-68SR77VzAG5nZtvSdLm9a7BuEZAdVyLlIF1em0KKF2N4FwSREdtiqTqNXiIzezAHRBUt7T_nEE8LwNweeIMn9Zu0UH7TFrI0gUne9VG6ErMVdpyDVjLQMGbqpQy4LWSHqn0hKY7x93fCKuHGj6n1oRHSwx4XbMR8JM9_Py9-ed89Bdj3QGo3iI2Kw78R8x3SDc85WfVpZMD52V_jGsuyUdEg8&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNEShVJ4-sE9AfJSvQQRX52gcSxlug" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/pQlBe-YFZJQ7IcN4j-68SR77VzAG5nZtvSdLm9a7BuEZAdVyLlIF1em0KKF2N4FwSREdtiqTqNXiIzezAHRBUt7T_nEE8LwNweeIMn9Zu0UH7TFrI0gUne9VG6ErMVdpyDVjLQMGbqpQy4LWSHqn0hKY7x93fCKuHGj6n1oRHSwx4XbMR8JM9_Py9-ed89Bdj3QGo3iI2Kw78R8x3SDc85WfVpZMD52V_jGsuyUdEg8" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/SSiJeIwtwCYn56N6zrnZcQT4CaRd-RRxlZ6qE3q8zj4_G6yoYFgIGczd08K24p_vctzSufXlqlHK5kaSscW6YMV-7VkYwr-Vfko310Zd1PL7DMr7LhIo-vb-6t50SjvHGLMioci3MhuLyfCVNzbOhjZfvgGxtpmAFOm-Sblq16710EIYBtWuOR79GUA2C_Wz0hAmWR-_CoN7Dkk_kFelL7v4nvm22f-294we44jhFA2A2l0i-e3OIqyMLpyFlT2F8Ozl-J42eMR2wumO3802nlqp27oOpfXJ8gctgZLwcKlu8NmmD8yD2LPyflHGXFMqrZU-&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNEl04VWvQ9ioYjQ317fWumc_gOgVw" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/SSiJeIwtwCYn56N6zrnZcQT4CaRd-RRxlZ6qE3q8zj4_G6yoYFgIGczd08K24p_vctzSufXlqlHK5kaSscW6YMV-7VkYwr-Vfko310Zd1PL7DMr7LhIo-vb-6t50SjvHGLMioci3MhuLyfCVNzbOhjZfvgGxtpmAFOm-Sblq16710EIYBtWuOR79GUA2C_Wz0hAmWR-_CoN7Dkk_kFelL7v4nvm22f-294we44jhFA2A2l0i-e3OIqyMLpyFlT2F8Ozl-J42eMR2wumO3802nlqp27oOpfXJ8gctgZLwcKlu8NmmD8yD2LPyflHGXFMqrZU-" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/IkmtIrAKmKOx5D7SU419Ddm2y70Y6M54kE7n6JXz8sGiuzhllxL2m2VzK4YR8wAJnKGHngRqDqu04VYbLeEO4Wh0zVXCodK0o64U7UKUVagCEnAr7rNkNcd4aY-I5CJVpJ3-P_07NRp7ddlXgn5ivr-Qe9u5W5MgzR8uI0QuFZG-8-62c7RUrPZ0_Avm9l0Ruf_dn8QRthpMmOElp_E&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNHQDPsDztKY_PfhhBv-ZtiIXNrWpw" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/IkmtIrAKmKOx5D7SU419Ddm2y70Y6M54kE7n6JXz8sGiuzhllxL2m2VzK4YR8wAJnKGHngRqDqu04VYbLeEO4Wh0zVXCodK0o64U7UKUVagCEnAr7rNkNcd4aY-I5CJVpJ3-P_07NRp7ddlXgn5ivr-Qe9u5W5MgzR8uI0QuFZG-8-62c7RUrPZ0_Avm9l0Ruf_dn8QRthpMmOElp_E" target="_blank">Pandora</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/Kdm2iPbKJwKoyDCy54lZPTqRra4XC_kEF85eHSmarij739GwuismMFV7xGX-A1Xb2RFvUhQSZo2f0g1ShbgoaREAFbh58rk-jrh7sRzBG4OOqKZ8POmxlS4Lnmg2T1n5gBC5pZPoTU_wSLeLgpmgCmqsappHj8G2maNf73pbrtWVrJok-Lr54RKVrkPo-ghYuK_8knJwNkE&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNEKrWxAFtpJKKhSKfP5WH7RMe8kLw" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/Kdm2iPbKJwKoyDCy54lZPTqRra4XC_kEF85eHSmarij739GwuismMFV7xGX-A1Xb2RFvUhQSZo2f0g1ShbgoaREAFbh58rk-jrh7sRzBG4OOqKZ8POmxlS4Lnmg2T1n5gBC5pZPoTU_wSLeLgpmgCmqsappHj8G2maNf73pbrtWVrJok-Lr54RKVrkPo-ghYuK_8knJwNkE" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/kiP6C5rQe6eyR1qgs4-mNrTe5uhfOfNz0250FGvI_DrF3u3HFuvrvSi4RoZnrECeovXroVKIg2TXr_-cC7_ZPuyB1Q6mxepNaqZnW9G3DGhcVOdVJZIlNhW_7xs1jt3pLajO_MqB10XtGF_56ud496SlIQ_2wyxngm_JRG_H3VYj09CEr41cUkfPTPBll79oOir6UuoDFyhGGNjeRfVeJsLf&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNFiLjFg2A7YTbAtorqxBDbc6QynWQ" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/kiP6C5rQe6eyR1qgs4-mNrTe5uhfOfNz0250FGvI_DrF3u3HFuvrvSi4RoZnrECeovXroVKIg2TXr_-cC7_ZPuyB1Q6mxepNaqZnW9G3DGhcVOdVJZIlNhW_7xs1jt3pLajO_MqB10XtGF_56ud496SlIQ_2wyxngm_JRG_H3VYj09CEr41cUkfPTPBll79oOir6UuoDFyhGGNjeRfVeJsLf" target="_blank">Appl<wbr></wbr>e Music</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/TjXAbUm4W6tZ46sSRxtgIB3UQAWBtPNCs6hdb3slsd1TppcAdyxqM01qSIIz75GfJYsCl68mFT_1tbhLVjHcjGujwiFKdAqrNT0na7nTnJbRsG7wFVBwFerwjFBGdNVs_X6QYK_GGQit52uo1eYhBHw4FoafTA0UwfBwASLngPXa2Z7CUY6Zc1FOJVZcuA&source=gmail&ust=1580426740784000&usg=AFQjCNEih-u5Ll8sHHjdIs8WiUi37W_Peg" href="https://3xchf.r.bh.d.sendibt3.com/mk/cl/f/TjXAbUm4W6tZ46sSRxtgIB3UQAWBtPNCs6hdb3slsd1TppcAdyxqM01qSIIz75GfJYsCl68mFT_1tbhLVjHcjGujwiFKdAqrNT0na7nTnJbRsG7wFVBwFerwjFBGdNVs_X6QYK_GGQit52uo1eYhBHw4FoafTA0UwfBwASLngPXa2Z7CUY6Zc1FOJVZcuA" target="_blank">deezer</a> and everywhere you can purchase or stream music...! It's been amazing to see the response and how this song's message is getting out there! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From my heart to yours,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Caitlin Jane</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6f1Y49eT9HtXB8M9A6jfiIVU0HzLbviUgicse8sAVmPv-OGPWUuImI1zuWoCmCRlF_rr-XMT5wt0MI1XiRG38EbgHXv0QiseXnpwDIyyNxGfpr_utXs4CDYchrznMEUvwSTnZUzKe2E/s1600/heartbeat_cj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6f1Y49eT9HtXB8M9A6jfiIVU0HzLbviUgicse8sAVmPv-OGPWUuImI1zuWoCmCRlF_rr-XMT5wt0MI1XiRG38EbgHXv0QiseXnpwDIyyNxGfpr_utXs4CDYchrznMEUvwSTnZUzKe2E/s400/heartbeat_cj.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-88516085177191458082019-09-19T13:34:00.005-07:002019-11-02T14:02:10.462-07:00It Is Well With My Soul<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the</b></i></div>
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<i><b>mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar</b></i></div>
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<i><b>and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."</b></i></div>
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(Psalm 46:1-3)</div>
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<i><b>"I know that my Redeemer lives,</b></i><br />
<i><b>and that in the end He will stand on the earth.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;</b></i></div>
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<i><b>I myself will see Him with my own eyes- I, and not another.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>How my heart yearns within me!</b></i></div>
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(Job 19:25-27)</div>
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At the very start of praying and planning for the <i>Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns</i> album, I knew I needed to find out which hymns meant the most to my friends, family, and fans. There were hymns I definitely wanted to include on the CD because they had been such a part of my own personal journey, but I also wanted this album to feel personal to all of you...so I did a survey and asked everyone to share what hymns were their top favorites and why. Many of you responded, and my list of hymns became quite long- there was no way I could ever possibly include all the songs on one album! It did give me a better idea of which ones are the most treasured and I just loved hearing everyone's stories of why the particular hymns meant so much to them. It was wonderful when people would share with me a not-so-common hymn, too. It broadened my brainstorming and got the creative juices flowing as I played around with several hymns on the piano, prayed a lot, and pondered. I wasn't too surprised when the overwhelming response for top favorite hymn was "It Is Well With My Soul." Countless people requested that this song be on the album, and it's pretty easy to understand why. This song resonates with the deepest part of our humanity- that even through trial and change and storms and unknown, we can still praise God and cling to His abiding peace and constant presence.<br />
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Many of the hymns on the album I rearranged with new refrains and bridges, a couple of them I even wrote new tunes, while still trying to keep the album as true to the historic hymns as possible. For this particular song, I knew it needed to be simple. I wanted to keep this hymn in its classic, pure form which resonates with so many who treasure it. Over the past few years there have been a number of beautiful new renditions of "It Is Well With My Soul" by contemporary worship songwriters. I just wanted to go back to the original version and hopefully somehow do it justice. However, in its simplicity I wrestled with how to make it special, to stand out for all of those who had requested this song.<br />
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Jamie and I were talking about it in our kitchen one day (which is also my in-home music studio and practice room, not to mention Joey's basketball court and hockey rink as well as our office...pretty much our "everything room!") I can't remember who had the idea first, but we agreed instantly that I needed to do a duet with someone, and that someone needed to be <a href="https://www.kristadengler.com/" target="_blank">Krista Dengler</a>, my close friend who is also one of the worship leaders at our church. Krista released her debut album, <i>Still I Will Sing</i> in 2017 (and just as a side note, our little Joey has come to LOVE her album, requesting it every time we are in the car these days. It's one of my favorite CDs too!) So I shot Krista a text and asked if she would be on board to sing with me on this song...I was overjoyed when she replied "yes!"<br />
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<a href="http://www.kristadengler.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Image result for still i will sing krista dengler" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-atf="1" id="g5ap6OHRn4xVIM:" jsaction="load:str.tbn" 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" 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On April 7th last year, Krista and I went to the studio together to record the vocals and harmonies...what a beautiful day it was, being able to sing together and hear Krista's rich voice through the microphone. My producer loved her voice as well. I believe his exact word to describe it was "smoky." I think you'll know what he meant when you hear the recording. She has a rare vocal quality when she sings, but more beautiful than that, Krista truly has a genuine, humble heart to worship, so it was such a joy getting to collaborate with her on this song and praise the Lord together. Plus, spending the weekend with a dear friend traveling to and from the studio made for lots of chatter, laughs, and memories!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQSfV6v4-S7J02VcgF2Yzf53Y7mHovRxnvXrIaPtG4AuYYXuVeHbUsWjPbqDTMpDRYWTr67Ao9Pp3_S34StecNli1SZZoyj6txgKrxQ-1U5eSiWuOfu22dcE7KOL9xkmOCKHksYlItrw/s1600/IMG_0965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQSfV6v4-S7J02VcgF2Yzf53Y7mHovRxnvXrIaPtG4AuYYXuVeHbUsWjPbqDTMpDRYWTr67Ao9Pp3_S34StecNli1SZZoyj6txgKrxQ-1U5eSiWuOfu22dcE7KOL9xkmOCKHksYlItrw/s320/IMG_0965.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Many of you may know bits and pieces of the story behind Horatio Gates Spafford who wrote the words to "It Is Well With My Soul" in 1873...for it is a story that isn't easily forgotten in the pages of history. I'd like to share some of that story here with you...<br />
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<a href="https://deutsch29.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/horatio-spafford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for horatio spafford" border="0" class="irc_mi" height="235" src="https://deutsch29.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/horatio-spafford.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="178" /></a></div>
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In 1871 the great Chicago fire swept through the Windy City. Spafford was an attorney there with hefty investments in real estate, and like countless others, he lost almost everything. Not only that, but his only son tragically passed away from scarlet fever at the young age of 4 years around the same time. Spafford was overwhelmed with loss and mourning, yet he was passionate about helping in the efforts to rebuild Chicago. He also was very involved in aiding the over 100,000 displaced and homeless after the fire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AVa7XVDIxditEmXVF4VnY8XCSEPrhKnmJyTvWFI-Q7fs1Q1Flp0WF5G65qRmr9EuhniGxC-BJwPeJ-yVAzdAzYR-8DTbzQDrnonzfU0DdqFL3BA-mXPKAH69z7ifu05xEaNv9pmScEA/s1600/Chicago+fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Great Chicago Fire of October 1871 destroyed nearly every real estate investment Horatio owned and this ruined him financially." border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1078" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AVa7XVDIxditEmXVF4VnY8XCSEPrhKnmJyTvWFI-Q7fs1Q1Flp0WF5G65qRmr9EuhniGxC-BJwPeJ-yVAzdAzYR-8DTbzQDrnonzfU0DdqFL3BA-mXPKAH69z7ifu05xEaNv9pmScEA/s320/Chicago+fire.JPG" title="Chicago Fire of October 1871" width="320" /></a></div>
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After all they had been through, Spafford decided to take his family on a trip to Europe in November of 1873, where they would meet up with his close friend and evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, and Ira Sankey, as they had gospel crusades in Great Brittain at that time. The Spaffords planned to join the evangelistic meetings and then enjoy a family vacation. Unfortunately, last minute business detained Horatio in New York, but he sent his wife, Anna, and their four daughters, Annie (age 9), Maggie (age 7), Bessie (age 3), and Tanetta (just 4 months old), onto Paris. As Anna and the girls boarded the French steamer, the <i>SS Ville du Havre</i>, Horatio felt a little uneasy, so he moved them to a room closer to the bow of the ship.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWUmbpzJ-4f4ti-deJnunwjGlIEgyWTF4P4nxihpATVpBGNBu1Vb9PilDr69wyqzOPrGwy4DXQUwB7XN-6oueXxN9nu2nhiPnktEIhsbOMo83mZtuneK0h_qnBBpcEPscqhugD-JWReI/s1600/Spafford+children.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="With Anna on her trip were 11-year-old, Tanetta; 9-year-old, Elizabeth; 5-year-old, Margaret Lee; and 2-year-old, Annie. " border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="1052" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWUmbpzJ-4f4ti-deJnunwjGlIEgyWTF4P4nxihpATVpBGNBu1Vb9PilDr69wyqzOPrGwy4DXQUwB7XN-6oueXxN9nu2nhiPnktEIhsbOMo83mZtuneK0h_qnBBpcEPscqhugD-JWReI/s400/Spafford+children.JPG" title="Horatio Spafford Children" width="400" /></a></div>
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Four days into their trip, on November 22, the passengers felt a sudden jolt in the middle of the night that woke everyone up and led most of them running to the deck...there was confusion and fear that grew into sudden chaos, screams and terror...The <i>Ville du Havre</i> had crashed into the Scottish three-masted iron sailing vessel, the <i>Loch Earn. </i>Anna Spafford knelt on the deck with her four young daughters and prayed that God would spare them, if it be His will, or make them willing to endure whatever awaited them. In just 12 minutes, the ship sank below the waves. Out of the 313 on board, only 61 passengers and 26 crew members survived the wreck, leaving 226 to sink to the Atlantic. Anna held tight to her infant, Tanetta, but she was tragically swept out of her arms by debris. Anna was barely conscious when she was rescued from a piece of the wreckage and brought onto the <i>Loch Earn.</i> An American cargo ship, the <i>Tremountain</i>, soon rescued everyone from the <i>Loch Earn, </i>which was left to sink as well, soon after...<br />
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Anna made it to Cardiff, Wales, but her four precious daughters had drowned. She sent a cable to Horatio, "Saved alone. What shall I do?..." A ship survivor, Pastor Weiss, recalled Anna expressing both her raw grief and steadfast faith, "God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why." Horatio rushed to England as soon as he could board a ship. As they crossed the Atlantic on a cold December night, the captain called him to the mast and told him he believed they were passing the place where the <i>Ville du Havre</i> had sunk. Horatio went to his cabin and began writing the hymn we now know and love, "It Is Well With My Soul.<i>" </i>Peace had swept into the midst of his pain and God gave him such personal and profound faith in that moment. The next week he wrote to one of his relatives, "On Thursday last we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe, folded, the dear lambs."<br />
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Handwritten manuscript copy of verses of "It is Well With My Soul," written in ink on Brevoort House, Madison Street between Clark and La Salle Streets, Chicago, hotel letterhead. Pencil notes on verso.</span></span></div>
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The Spaffords were later blessed with more children, two daughters, Bertha and Grace, and a son named Horatio. However, horrific tragedy struck again when Horatio died from scarlet fever at only three years old. They had to cling to their Savior once again in hope and faith...In the midst of so much suffering, they began to believe fervently that the End Days were near and decided to move to the Holy Land. Horatio wrote to a friend, "Jerusalem is where my Lord lived, suffered and conquered, and I, too, wish to learn how to live, suffer and, especially, to conquer." They arrived in 1881 with a small group of 16 other friends and settled in a home they called the "American Colony." They were not missionaries, but this group who called themselves "The Overcomers" were very generous and hospitable to all- Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. A Group of over 100 Swedish Christians joined them and they moved to a larger home. During WWI the community ran a soup kitchen for the needy and a hospital for those wounded from both armies. The "American Colony" was somewhat of a utopian society and lasted until the 1950s, when the group disbanded. However, the American Colony Hotel was the location where the Palestinian and Israeli peace talks took place leading up to the 1983 Oslo Peace Accords.<br />
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<img alt="Following what can only have been an emotional reunion, Horatio and Anna returned to Chicago. In 1876, they were blessed with a son, Horatio Jr, in 1878 a daughter Bertha was born and in 1880, their last child, Grace was born." border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="1000" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmwpouRihP5T-1odcogex9lLyAyeBWRxYnQSwPdGuy_6b716Em5tsOZaXI6qHTF2YAC0L8pSGV0HtuD4RMJEBRSKfrCrWSeD74kh9Kh-jWTD37-A-zSeymW5lQlKL3suirce1pEDqEJk/s400/Horatio++and+anna+Spafford.JPG" style="text-align: start;" title="Horatio and Anna Spafford" width="400" /></div>
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The Spafford's daughter, Bertha, carried on her parent's legacy there... In 1925, on Christmas Eve, a Bedouin and his sick wife and newborn baby rode by Bertha on a donkey as she was rushing to Bethlehem to sing carols and meet up with her husband and children. She took the woman to a hospital, but sadly it was too late and she passed away. The father begged Bertha to take the baby. She agreed and named him Noel. Soon two more orphans were brought to Bertha and she founded the Spafford Baby Home, which later turned into a children's hospital. The Spafford Children's Center remains today and serves people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds to help children with medical and other needs.<br />
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When one digs a little deeper into the Spafford's story and reads of some of the theology and practices of their "American Colony" in Jerusalem, it is easy to unearth some strange, even heretical teaching and what would be considered "cult-like" and unbiblical practices...It seems that they denied the existence of hell, preached Universalism, falsely prophesied and demanded their followers to work hard while confiscating all the resources and controlling who could buy what. Because they believed the return of Christ to be imminent, Anna Spafford even forbade any new marriages at one point. At first this was quite troubling for me to learn and caused my heart to grieve, because this song is so well-loved by Christians around the globe, and the story behind it so very profound. But then I am reminded...we cannot put our hope into pastors or preachers or prophets or songwriters or church leaders or historical figures, but rather in Jesus Christ alone. Many may flounder in their faith and fail us, but our Lord Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever- constant and ever true. The "heroes" of the Bible themselves let us down time and again, only to remind us that we have one, and only one Savior. The Apostle Paul wrote, "But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Philippians 1:18) So take heart- even if the Spaffords themselves had questionable faith practices at the end of the day, we can still sing confidently, "It is Well With My Soul," because God has used the message of this song to point to the saving power of the cross and the hope of our resurrection and life and peace in Christ.<br />
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The tune to "It is Well With My Soul," VILLE DU HAVRE, is named after the steamer which tragically sunk in the Atlantic and caused Spafford's dear daughters to drown. However, the tune was written by a man name Philip Paul Bliss. Bliss was on staff at a church in Chicago as music director and superintendent of the Sunday school, but after the continual urging of his friend D. L. Moody for Bliss to devote his life to evangelistic singing, he took a job in 1874 as song leader and children's ministry director for the Major Daniel W. Whittle evangelistic campaign. It was during this time that he wrote the tune to "It Is Well With My Soul."<br />
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Bliss received a telegram over the Christmas holiday in 1876 when he was visiting family in Pennsylvania. He was requested to return home early to sing at Moody's Tabernacle back in Chicago. He and his wife, Lucy, took the <i>Pacific Express </i>train and left their children in Pennsylvania with Philip's mother. The train was running late as they passed through Ohio in a thick snowstorm and suddenly a trestle bridge under it collapsed. All eleven of the train cars fell into a deep ravine, with only the engine making it safely to the other side. Philip amazingly survived, but as a fire began spreading, he crawled back inside a window to rescue his beloved wife. They both died that day. 92 of the 160 passengers lost their lives. Almost everything was ravaged in the fire, but Bliss's trunk arrived in Chicago. The words to the now famous hymn, "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" were discovered inside with his belongings among other poems and hymns he had recently written but not yet published. On January 5th, a memorial song service for Bliss was held with an astounding 8,000 in attendance and an additional 4,000 who stood outside in the cold Chicago winter air. It was only one month prior to his death in the horrific train accident that "It is Well With My Soul" was sung publicly for the first time at a ministers' meeting in Chicago.<br />
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A song like "It Is Well With My Soul" reminds us that it is the God of the past, the present, and the future whom we worship. No matter what has happened or what may come our way, our God is Sovereign and Good and True. He is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. Our souls truly can find no other peace or confidence but in the blood of Jesus Christ and the redemption and glory and grace He gives. Tragic stories like Spafford's and Bliss's are hard to understand. Even now as I write, I struggle trying to swallow the reality of suffering in this life and the great unknown of what may come tomorrow. Yet, we must cling to Jesus. We must praise Him in the midst of the storm. We must hold onto faith even when fear or doubts try to steal our peace. Because when we praise, we overcome. We go from being victims of pain and loss and tragedy to victors of hope eternal- hope which will not disappoint.<br />
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<i><b>"I have told you these things,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>so that in Me </b></i><i><b>you may have peace.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>In this world you will have trouble.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>But take heart! I have overcome the world."</b></i></div>
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(John 16:33)</div>
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<b><i>"The LORD gives strength to His people;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>the LORD blesses His people with peace."</i></b></div>
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(Psalm 29:11)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127);">Sources:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Peterson, Randy. <i>Be Still My Soul:The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns. </i>Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014.<br /><br />Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127);">Cheaney, Fanie B. <i>It is Well...A Great Hymn Came from the pen of a troubled-and troublesome-man. </i></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a href="https://world.wng.org/2019/04/it_is_well">https://world.wng.org/2019/04/it_is_well</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hawn, C. Michael. "History of Hymns: "It Is Well With My Soul."<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_355318385"> </a><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-it-is-well-with-my-soul">https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-it-is-well-with-my-soul</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Reese, Ed. <i>"The Life and Ministry of Philip Bliss." </i><a href="https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biobliss.html">https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/biobliss.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, American Colony in Jerusalem Collection. American Colony, and Horatio Gates Stafford. <i>Draft manuscript copy of hymn "It is Well With My Soul" by Horatio Gates Spafford. to 1878, 1873. Manuscript/Mixed Material. </i><a href="http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mamcol.016">http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mamcol.016</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">D, Ph. <i>"Story Behind the Song: It Is Well With My Soul." </i><a href="https://www.staugustine.com/article/20141016/LIFESTYLE/310169936">https://www.staugustine.com/article/20141016/LIFESTYLE/310169936</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_355318400">http://www.spaffordcenter.org/history</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.americancolony.com/history">https://www.americancolony.com/history</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Stewart, Rev. Angus. <i>"Horatio </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>Stafford</i></span><i>: Not Well With His Soul." </i><a href="https://www.cprf.co.uk/articles/spafford.html#.XYOxXC3My8U">https://www.cprf.co.uk/articles/spafford.html#.XYOxXC3My8U</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Miano, Tony. <i>Cross Encounters: It Is Well With My Soul: An Exposition of My Favorite Hymn (Part 1). </i><a href="http://www.crossencounters.us/2013/10/it-is-well-with-my-soul-exposition-of.html">http://www.crossencounters.us/2013/10/it-is-well-with-my-soul-exposition-of.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">Trantham, Cara Cobble.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;"> </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">Hymns: A Study on Classic Hymns, Volume I. </i><span style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;">The Daily Grace Co. </span></span></div>
</dd>Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-47608458490908994872019-02-17T15:14:00.002-08:002019-02-17T15:16:51.142-08:00For the Beauty of the Earth / Amazing GraceIn picking hymns for the <i>Hallelujah </i>album, I had a dilemma before me. While I know that "Amazing Grace" may very well be the most well-known and best-loved hymn of all-time, I also know that sometimes when songs are overdone, we seem to lose sight of the profound meaning and message behind them. So I was torn- I didn't want to just be trite in throwing this hymn on the album because it would be expected. I, too, treasure this song, though, and the story behind it, so I knew that if I didn't include it, something would be amiss. I still had no inspiration on how to arrange it or make it special, because a song like "Amazing Grace" deserves something special indeed. So I waited on it, and just wasn't sure how to go about including it.<br />
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One day when I was singing "For the Beauty of the Earth" at the piano, suddenly I found my fingers playing the tune to "Amazing Grace" as an interlude between verses. It felt so right! So fitting! I played it for Jamie (I always test my songwriting and arrangements with him) and he approved, so that was it! I was excited about this subtle, different way to include such an exceptional hymn.<br />
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While the hymn, "Amazing Grace," is treasured by folks around the world, the story behind this hymn, I daresay, is just as noteworthy...British sailors in the 1700s were a rough lot, but John Newton was even shocking to some of his comrades at sea in his vulgar language, debauchery, and heathen living. Not only did he have such a reprehensible lifestyle, but he was also a slave trader at that, responsible for the chains (as well as the death) of countless human beings.<br />
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In his early years, he grew up in a home where Christ was Lord, and his mother was a praying woman (I love seeing that theme throughout the stories of hymn-writers...I think of Robert Robinson who wrote "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" and how his mother had bold prayers and dreams for his life...As a mother myself, I am well aware of the importance of praying over my children's lives, that they will follow Christ one day and live wholeheartedly for His glory). Newton's mother died when he was only seven years old, but in those short years, she taught him the Scriptures as well as Isaac Watts' hymns in <i>Divine Songs for Children. </i>(Watts was another prolific hymn-writer. One of my only regrets with this album is that I didn't have room to include one of Watts' hymns!) After she died, young John went to boarding school, and then to sea, and back and forth...He joined the navy under pressure, then deserted. After he was captured, he was flogged terribly. He was a depressed young man with no direction, having ideations of suicide and murder. He found himself then on a slave ship, and at one point was even captain of a ship, as well as managing a slave warehouse.<br />
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In the middle of a raging storm at sea on March 10th, 1748, when Newton and the crew for sure thought they would soon drown, he began to cry out to God. The Scriptures and songs of worship that his mother taught him as a boy came immediately to the rough sailor's mind. His ship, the <i>Greyhound</i>, was being tossed and thrown by the crashing waves and fierce winds. He suddenly thought of Proverbs 1:24-31. He shortly thereafter found a New Testament as well as a copy of <i>The Imitation of Christ </i>by Thomas à Kempis. He read both, and focused in on Luke 11:13, as he began to fear God for the first time in his life. Later, he recalled, "That tenth of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748- the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters."<br />
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It was most definitely the grace of Jesus Christ that saved John Newton from his life of sin and from his peril at sea. He continued sailing and in the slave trade, but not for too long, as his life was being changed inside out, slowly but surely. He began rigorously studying the Bible and praying at sea. Eventually he left the slave-trade and became a tide surveyor in Liverpool. That didn't last long, as his mother's prayers were being answered! At 39 years of age, in the year 1764, he became an ordained minister in the Church of England and entered into the ministry as a preacher in the small town of Olney. His great passion was to share the gospel, and thus he did for the next 43 years of his life. For Sunday evening services, Newton had a habit of composing hymns to go along with his Scripture lesson. He gave a message on New Year's Day in 1773 on David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, which inspired a hymn entitled "Faith's Review and Expectation." In 1779, the hymn "Faith's Review and Expectation," along with 279 other hymns by Newton and many hymns by William Cowper (Newton's parishioner and good friend who wrote "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood" among other famous hymns) were published in the <i>Olney Hymns. </i>Today, we know "Faith's Review and Expectation" as simply "Amazing Grace."<br />
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The same year that his hymns were published, Newton left Olney and moved to London where he became rector at St. Mary Woolnoth. His ministry was broad, spanning the classes of extreme poor in the city, the merchant class, and the wealthy. He formed a friendship with a young man named William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was a member of Parliament and doing much behind the scenes (as well as out in the open) to work toward the abolition of slavery. Wilberforce looked up to Newton in his teaching of Scripture and dedication to ministry. Newton had a wealth of knowledge about the slave trade from his experience and this was vital in helping Wilberforce's mission, eventually leading to the end of the slave trade in Great Brittain.<br />
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John Newton had a beautiful relationship with his wife, Mary, filled with love and romance and most of all, deep commitment. He lived until he was 82 and preached until he no longer could due to failing eye sight and poor health (it is amazing how many of our favorite hymn writers were blind or close to it...I am deeply encouraged by their faith even when their eyes could not see!) Newton is remembered for saying, "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior!"<br />
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Amazing Grace began sweeping across America during the Second Great Awakening in the early 1800s. Christians used this hymn in outdoor revival meetings, probably set to a variety of different tunes. What is so interesting, and by no coincidence, but surely providence, is that this song was sung by many slaves, with such a powerful message of freedom. And it also made its way into the Civil Rights movement. A former slave trader, converted to Christ, who himself found such amazing grace in his own life, wrote a song that slaves later could hold onto with hope for eternity to come, for seeing Jesus, for freedom, for life...Even Harriet Beecher Stowe, American abolitionist and author, and daughter of a revival preacher, included the hymn in <i>Uncle Tom's Cabin </i>in 1852<i>. </i><br />
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1835 was the year the words to Amazing Grace were first put to the tune NEW BRITAIN that we now all know. It was also the year that Folliott Sandford Pierpoint was born. His birthday was October 7th to be exact, and he was born in Bath, England. Quite a scholar, he graduated from Cambridge and then taught the classics at Somersetshire College in Bath. At the age of only 29, he was walking through the countryside on a gorgeous spring day. He was so in awe of the creation around him, he couldn't help but write a poem. (As a songwriter, I identify so well with that feeling. Certain scenes of beautiful creation just seem to overwhelm my being to the point that I cannot help but put down in words all that I feel, all that inspires me! At least for me, the most meaningful songs seem to be written when the Holy Spirit sparks creative passion through sudden inspiration rather than laboring for hours over ideas, words, and tunes.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristyHassellPhotography/" target="_blank">Christy Hassell</a>)</span></div>
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Bath is an area with incredible natural beauty with it's rolling hills, green landscape everywhere, hot springs, the Avon River, and spas which the Romans built throughout the countryside. Pierpoint was overcome with a sense of awe and worship as he looked upon the glorious scene there before him that day. The hymn he wrote is what we now know as "For the Beauty of the Earth," and it paints a picture of not only creation's splendor, but also the incredible gifts of family, friends, the Church (the body of Christ), and Jesus our One and only Savior Divine. It was intended as a Communion hymn in the Anglican Church, pointing to the theology of the Lord's Supper as we share in Christ's sacrifice.<br />
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Most know the refrain today as: "Lord of all, to Thee we raise, this our hymn of grateful praise." However, the original refrain written by Pierpoint in 1835 was actually, "Christ our God to Thee we raise, this our sacrifice of praise." I love the original lyrics, and believe Pierpoint was very specific in shining light on the glorious reality of the divinity of Jesus Christ. So often in our world today, religion gets so generic and beliefs are muddled together without a firm foundation on Biblical truth. We can treasure the great hymns of the faith because they have passed down to us so many reminders of absolute, unchanging truth. The cornerstone of that truth is Jesus Christ, both God and man, who was the perfect sacrifice on the cross for our wretched sins, who gave His life as a ransom for many and redeemed us by His blood. He overcame the grave so we can have life with Him everlasting. This is the Gospel. This is the grace that Newton wrote and sang about. This is the truth that Pierpoint wanted to lift high in praise. <i>"For Thyself, best gift Divine, to the world so freely given..."</i><br />
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"For the Beauty of the Earth" is one of the rare hymns devoted solely to giving thanks (which has made it strongly associated with the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States). We cannot think upon the extravagant grace of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ, without lifting our hearts and voices in thanks, so in that way, these two hymns also go hand-in-hand, seamlessly sharing a powerful gospel message of just that- grace poured out by the the Lord and thanks offered up in sacrifice by His children.<br />
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<i>Amazing Grace! How sweet the song</i></div>
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<i>That saved a wretch, like me!</i></div>
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<i>I once was lost, but now am found,</i></div>
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<i>Was blind, but now I see.</i></div>
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<i>'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,</i></div>
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<i>And grace my fears relieved;</i></div>
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<i>How precious did that grace appear</i></div>
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<i>The hour I first believed!</i></div>
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<i>The Lord has promised good to me,</i></div>
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<i>His word my hope secures;</i></div>
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<i>He will my shield and portion be</i></div>
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<i>As long as life endures.</i></div>
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<i>The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,</i></div>
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<i>The sun forbear to shine;</i></div>
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<i>But God, Who called me here below,</i></div>
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<i>Shall be forever mine.</i></div>
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<i>When we've been there ten thousand years,</i></div>
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<i>Bright shining as the sun,</i></div>
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<i>We've no less days to sing God's praise</i></div>
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<i>Than when we first begun.</i><br />
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<i>----------</i><br />
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<i>For the beauty of the earth</i><br />
<i>For the glory of the skies</i><br />
<i>For the love which from our birth</i><br />
<i>Over and around us lies</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>For the wonder of each hour</i><br />
<i>Of the day and of the night</i><br />
<i>Hill and vale and tree and flower</i><br />
<i>Sun and moon and strs of light</i><br />
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<i>For the joy of human love</i><br />
<i>Brother, sister, parent, child</i><br />
<i>Friends on earth and friends above</i><br />
<i>For all gentle thoughts and mild</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>For the church that evermore</i><br />
<i>Lifteth holy hands above</i><br />
<i>Offering up on every shore</i><br />
<i>Her pure sacrifice of love</i><br />
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<i><b>Christ our God to Thee we raise</b></i><br />
<i><b>This our sacrifice of praise </b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Sources:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Trantham, Cara Cobble. <i>Hymns: A Study on Classic Hymns, Volume I. </i>The Daily Grace Co. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Franz, Julia."The Complicated Story Behind the Famous Hymn 'Amazing Grace.'" <a href="https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-04-30/complicated-story-behind-famous-hymn-amazing-grace">https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-04-30/complicated-story-behind-famous-hymn-amazing-grace</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Severance, Diane. "John Newton Discovered Amazing Grace." <a href="https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/john-newton-discovered-amazing-grace-11630253.html">https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/john-newton-discovered-amazing-grace-11630253.html</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Peterson, Randy. <i>Be Still My Soul:The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns.</i>Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hawn, C. Michael. "History of Hymns: "For the Beauty of the Earth" <a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-for-the-beauty-of-the-earth">https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-for-the-beauty-of-the-earth</a></span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-15164726886796397782019-02-09T13:32:00.003-08:002019-02-09T13:41:27.199-08:00NY March for Life Radio Interview<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/march4lifeny-radio/2019/01/22/why-caitlin-jane-marches-for-life" target="_blank">Listen to the March for Life NY Radio Show</a></span><br />
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<br />Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-91444797539898397302019-01-15T06:39:00.002-08:002019-01-15T06:39:46.280-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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Join Caitlin Jane at the National <a href="https://marchforlife.org/" target="_blank">March for Life</a> in Washington D.C. on Friday, January 18th! </div>
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Come be a part of this beautiful movement to change hearts and change a nation on behalf of human rights for all, especially the unborn. </div>
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Visit Caitlin Jane's booth at the <a href="https://marchforlife.org/mfl-2019/expo-2/" target="_blank">March for Life Expo</a>!</div>
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Thursday, January 17th, 9 am - 8 pm</div>
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</style>Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-56635605638734556332019-01-10T07:09:00.000-08:002019-01-10T07:12:28.062-08:00Human Trafficking Awareness Day-Support Survivors!<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi Everyone!<br /><br />Tomorrow, Friday, January 11th, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. To support <span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 102);">those who</span> have been rescued from modern-day slavery, and to honor the lives that still need to be freed, I wanted to do something special. Many of you know I have spent time in the Philippines with an organization I believe in with all my heart, <a data-cke-saved-href="http://www.madeinhope.org" href="http://www.madeinhope.org/" target="_blank">MADE IN HOPE</a>, which was co-founded by one of my dearest friends, Michelle Tolentino.<br /><br /><b>Starting today through this weekend only (January 10th-13th), for every <span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 102);"><a data-cke-saved-href="http://caitlinjanetunes.com/music.html" href="http://caitlinjanetunes.com/music.html" target="_blank">Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns CD</a></span>* that is ordered, half of the proceeds will go to <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.facebook.com/sheworksmadeinhope/" href="https://www.facebook.com/sheworksmadeinhope/" target="_blank">MADE IN HOPE</a>. In addition, you will receive a FREE "She WORKS" human trafficking awareness bracelet.</b> These bracelets were made by women in the Philippines who were rescued from trafficking, and I personally purchased these so I could thank each of you for supporting this great cause!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">MADE IN HOPE empowers women and children who have been rescued from the global sex trafficking trade to break the cycle of exploitation and secure their freedom by providing education, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and care in the healing process. They also advocate for the still enslaved, increasing global awareness and mobilizing support. Their mission is founded in the love of Jesus, who has a plan for each life, giving us all a future MADE IN HOPE.<br /><br />Let's partner together to support this amazing ministry that is rescuing lives physically, emotionally, and spiritually!<br /><br />Caitlin Jane<br /><br />*proceeds from only physical CD orders will go to MADE IN HOPE, not digital downloads.<br /><a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2GY7YW5VPTDKA" href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2GY7YW5VPTDKA" target="_blank">Click Here to Order and support MADE IN HOPE!</a></span><br />
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-54437564938679008772018-12-27T16:57:00.002-08:002018-12-28T06:23:39.264-08:00Hallelujah CD RELEASE!<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Track Listing:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>1. Agnus Dei (O Lamb of God)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>2. Nothing But the Blood</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>3. It Is Well With My Soul (<a href="https://www.kristadengler.com/">feat. Krista Dengler</a>)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>4. Great Is Thy Faithfulness</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>5. How Great Thou Art</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>6. Holy, Holy, Holy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>7. For the Beauty of the Earth / Amazing Grace</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>8. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>9. He Leadeth Me</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>10. Blessed Assurance</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>11. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>12. Be Still My Soul</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>13. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>14. Of the Father's Love Begotten (Evermore)</b></span><br />
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-85284618495927090492018-12-03T08:26:00.003-08:002018-12-03T09:04:54.978-08:00Great Is Thy FaithfulnessBetween Thanksgiving and Christmas, between the hustle and bustle of the holidays, between the baking and the shopping and the school pageants and the decorating and the tree-finding and the hallmark movies and the glow of lights...this is such a perfect time to pause. Pause and pray and consider <i>who God is</i> and <i>what God has done</i>. We give thanks, and we remember how Emmanuel first came and entered into our world as a baby boy, bringing light into the darkness, bringing hope into our mess. And it was not just for one moment or one generation, but <i>for</i> <i>all of humanity, for all of eternity. </i>He is Savior, He is Giver of Life and Giver of all good gifts, and most of all, <i>He is faithful</i>.<br />
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You may be facing an insurmountable trial in your life right now that seems to be draining all of your hope and joy. Or you may be in a season of sailing smoothly on the high seas, enjoying the journey. Or you may be just about to embark on your greatest adventure yet. Or you may feel lonely, weary, and just dull. Or maybe the pressure is mounting at work and at home like never before, and you don't know how much longer you will be able to stand. Or maybe you are experiencing blessings abundant, and yet in the midst of all the good, you don't seem to have one spare second to yourself to just be still.<br />
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Whatever season you and I find ourselves in this Christmas<i>, </i>we can all rest in one common promise:<br />
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<i><b>"The LORD's loving kindnesses indeed never cease,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>for His compassions never fail.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>They are new every morning;</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Great is Your faithfulness."</b></i></div>
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<i>(Lamentations 3:22-23)</i></div>
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The writer of one of the most beloved hymns of all time, "Great is Thy Faithfulness," knew deeply and personally the faithfulness of our loving God. Some may say his life was unremarkable. Nothing incredible happened that would put his name in lights in the pages of history. There is no extraordinary story behind this hymn. But it was in the ordinariness of life that Thomas Obediah Chisholm learned of God's great faithfulness. His hymn was simply inspired by the foundational truth that God is always working in our lives in His sovereignty and goodness. He is faithful in the highs and in the lows, in the interesting and in the dull, in the colorful and in the bleak, in the painful and in the joyful, in the expected and in the surprises.<br />
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Just as on a wedding day, when two lovers commit to fidelity until death do them part, our God has committed His steadfast and firm faithfulness and love, unmovable and unshakable, until He completes that which He began in our lives and brings us home to eternity with Him one day. The wedding analogy doesn't even come close, however, to doing our God's love or faithfulness justice, because as humans, even with our best intentions and even in a good marriage, we let one another down and we fall short of perfect love. However, <i>God's love and promise and commitment will never let us down or let us go.</i> He is faithful until the end. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Alpha and the Omega, our Good Father, and the friend who never fails us. </div>
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Thomas Obediah Chisholm was born in a log cabin in Franklin, Kentucky in 1866. Although he lacked any formal education, growing up on a farm, he became a teacher at the age of 16 and by age 21 was the associate editor of the <i>Franklin Advocate, </i>his local newspaper. At 27 years old, his life was changed as he began following Christ. Henry Clay Morrison, the founder of Asbury College and Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, had a huge influence on Chisholm's life and conversion. (I find this fascinating, because my Grannie, Sylvia Grant Elliott, attended Asbury and graduated from the college in 1938, just 45 years after Morrison led Chisholm to faith in Jesus Christ). Because of Morrison's encouragement, Chisholm decided to move to Louisville and there he became the business manager and editor of the<i> Pentecostal Herald.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thomas Obediah Chisholm</span></div>
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In 1903, at age 36, Chisholm was ordained as a Methodist preacher. However, due to poor health, he only served for one short year at a church in Scottsville, Kentucky. Sadly, he had to retire from the ministry. He moved his family to Winona Lake, Indiana, to help in his recovery from illness. After that, they moved to Vineland, New Jersey, where he sold insurance for the next 37 years (1916-1953). He lived out his last years in a Methodist retirement community in Ocean Grove, New Jersey until he went home to be with his Lord Jesus in 1960. Although Chisholm was unable to stay in ministry, as his heart had desired, he wrote over 1200 poems and hymns- 800 of them were published and many were set to music. These poems and hymns were often featured in well-known Christian periodicals in his day, including <i>Moody Monthly, Alliance Weekly, </i>and <i>Sunday School Times.</i> He was purposeful in his writing to interweave Scripture throughout, keeping his texts Biblically based and far from frivolous or sappy topics.<br />
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Chisholm sent a number of his poems to his friend, Rev. William M. Runyan (1870-1957), who was a talented musician and composer, as well as one of the editors of Hope Publishing Company in Chicago and co-editor of <i>The Service Hymnal. </i>Runyon remarked later, "This particular poem held such an appeal that I prayed most earnestly that my tune might carry over its message in a worthy way, and the subsequent history of its use indicates that God answered prayer." Runyon wrote the tune in 1923 and published it first in his private song pamphlets. But we all know it's impact has been far and wide.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">William Marion Runyan</span></div>
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Runyon was first an ordained Methodist minister at age 21, pastoring several churches in Kansas. At the age of 45, he started writing gospel songs, after D.B. Towner from Moody Bible Institute encouraged him to do so. Later in Arkansas, he pastored a church and was editor of the Christian Workers' Magazine. Throughout his studies and career, he attended Northwestern University, had affiliations with John Brown University, worked for Moody Bible Institute, received the honorary Doctor of Letters from Wheaton College, and was a professor at Baker University. Quite an accomplished man in ministry and work, we can all be thankful for his gift in writing the tune to "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and the legacy of faith handed down through that song.<br />
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This hymn has always been a favorite of mine, but there is a reasons I was especially inspired to include it on the <i>Hallelujah</i> album. As the world said its fair-wells this past year to the Rev. Billy Graham, the great evangelist, many remember this particular hymn from his crusades around the globe. George Beverly Shea, the Canadian-born singer, introduced "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in 1954 during the Billy Graham crusades in Great Britain. From then on, it has been a favorite hymn to thousands upon thousands...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Billy Graham with George Beverly Shea on his left and Cliff Barrows on his right</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(the two musicians who worked alongside Rev. Graham during the Evangelistic Crusades)</span></div>
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One of the beautiful themes found in this hymn is God's immutable nature, which is found in the first verse. He is never-changing, always the same, always good and compassionate.<br />
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<b><i>"Every good and perfect gift is from above,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Who does not change like shifting shadows."</i></b></div>
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<i>(James 1:17)</i></div>
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Verse two celebrates the predictability and continual cycle of the seasons, year after year. Creation declares not only the glory of God, but the faithfulness of God.<br />
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<b><i>"Praise the LORD, my soul.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>LORD my God, You are very great;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>You are clothed with splendor and majesty.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>He set the earth on its foundations;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>It can never be moved.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>He made the moon to mark the seasons,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and the sun knowns when to go down."</i></b></div>
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<i>(Psalm 104:1, 5, 19)</i></div>
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The third verse points to God's personal presence in our lives- His abiding peace through all circumstances and His perfect forgiveness for our sins. No matter what happened in our past or what our future may hold, He is with us at every moment and eager to bless us and provide us with hope.<br />
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<b><i>"He who calls you is faithful;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>He will surely do it."</i></b></div>
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<i>(1 Thessalonians 5:24)</i></div>
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<b><i>"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."</i></b></div>
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<i>(1 John 1:9)</i></div>
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<b><i>"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess</i></b></div>
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<b><i>for He who promised is faithful."</i></b></div>
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<i>(Hebrews 10:23)</i></div>
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The Biblically-rooted theology of this hymn, and the way that it can connect to almost every believer in a very real, intimate way, makes it one of the most simply profound pieces of worship handed down in history.</div>
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Chisholm reflected late in life, "My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness." </div>
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May we, too, as we look back on our lives and look ahead to the future, bear testimony and witness to God's great faithfulness!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;</i></span><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">There is no shadow of turning with Thee,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">As Thou hast been,Thou forever wilt be.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above;</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Join with all nature in manifold witness,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Thine own great presence to cheer and to guide;</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Great is Thy faithfulness!</b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Great is Thy faithfulness!</b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Morning by morning new mercies I see</b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>All I have needed Thy hand hath provided</b></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hawn, C. Michael. "History of Hymns: 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness.'"</span></span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-great-is-thy-faithfulness">https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-great-is-thy-faithfulness</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://hymnary.org/text/great_is_thy_faithfulness_o_god_my_fathe">https://hymnary.org/text/great_is_thy_faithfulness_o_god_my_fathe</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"'Great Is Thy Faithfulness'- The Story Behind the Hymn." <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gaither.com/news/%E2%80%9Cgreat-thy-faithfulness%E2%80%9D-story-behind-hymn">http://gaither.com/news/“great-thy-faithfulness”-story-behind-hymn</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: #2d537f;">Morgan, Robert J. </span><i style="caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: #2d537f;">Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories. </i><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(45, 83, 127); color: #2d537f;">Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.</span></span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-91351229080286001702018-11-23T15:42:00.001-08:002018-11-23T15:42:06.199-08:00Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been overwhelmed with thanksgiving this week, as my producer, Glenn Barratt, finished all the mixing and mastering for the <i>Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns </i>album. I’ve had the opportunity to hear all 14 tracks while he put the final touches on the songs, and I’m at a loss for words…it feels like every dream I had for this project has come true. Glenn is an incredible sound engineer and has such a gift for bringing music to life and drawing out everything in such an exquisite way. It is a true honor to work with him—he stretches my musical ability, teaches me so much, and he is also patient as I nit-pick the finest details (details which no one else can probably even hear, but we musicians can be perfectionists!)…Jamie and I are forever grateful for all that he has poured into this album, and we believe that God has used his experience and talent in a mighty way. To be honest, a music artist is really only as good as their sound engineer, whether at a live show or on recording. I can sing my little heart out, but if the sound isn’t “up to par,” listeners’ ears will be hurting! So it is a true honor and blessing to work with a Grammy-Award winning engineer who has years of expertise beyond my own, lifting the bar on every song. </div>
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As I’ve been listening to the songs, it’s been fun to discover which ones are my favorites that I didn’t expect! The song that has surprised me the most this week is “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” Of course it <i>is </i>one of my favorite hymns, that’s why it is on the album, but I didn’t think it was in my top few for the recording…but when I heard it all come together, I was truly overcome with emotion and just felt so inspired to worship. I fell asleep that night with the tune running through my head, and it’s like I’ve come to love this hymn all over again! It may be my #1 favorite on the album, I'm not sure! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Years ago, the Lord placed a dream inside my heart, which I had just set aside and almost forgotten about…Sometimes the Lord gives us a vision, yet we know not when that vision will come to reality. We have to trust and believe and <i>wait</i>. I had written an arrangement for “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” with a musical interlude between the verses. I remember exactly where I was after writing it and I remember singing and playing it for my mom on my keyboard, telling her, “Someday I want to record this on an album, and this interlude part will have lots of strings. It will sound so stirring!” Well, that little seed of a dream that God placed in my soul was left to sit for several years, in fact I hardly thought of it since, with so much that has gone on in my life since then (this was probably over 5 years ago). However, God didn’t forget it. He gave that idea and dream to me for a reason, and when I heard the final mix and master of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” this past week, part of the reason I was so moved was because the Lord reminded me of that very dream I had! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>“For still the vision awaits its appointed time;<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>it hastens to the end—it will not lie.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>If it seems slow, wait for it;<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>It will surely come; it will not delay.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>(Habakkuk 2:3)<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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The life of Robert Robinson, the writer of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” was also a testimony of a vision that came to reality—a dream and prayer of his poor, widowed mother. In September of the year 1735, Robert Robinson was born in Swaffham, Norfolk. As a boy of only eight, tragically his father passed away. His mother, a woman of strong faith, was left in a state of poverty, so when the strong-willed Robert was about 14 years of age, she sent him away to London to be an apprentice to a barber. Her dream for him was that he would become a priest in the Church of England, but she couldn’t afford the education.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In London, although he often had his head in books, he also got himself into trouble, drinking and gambling with a rough crowd. In 1752, 17-year-old Robert and his comrades decided to go to a fortune-teller. Something unsettled Robert, so he then suggested to his friends that they go hear an evangelist, where they could jeer and jaunt at the preacher. George Whitefield was the man, who was famous throughout both England and America for his powerful, intense sermons, and passionate message calling all to be born again. As Whitefield spoke on Matthew 3:7 and the wrath to come, the thunderous words penetrated Robert in such a personal way. Yet, het was not ready to give up his life of sin and receive salvation that night. He was haunted by the sermon for the next almost three years, living in anxiety and still running from the “Hound of Heaven.” Finally, on December 10, 1755, Robert surrendered his life to the love and grace of Jesus Christ and was forever changed. He found that sweet and true “peace by believing.” </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robert Robinson</span></div>
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Robinson penned in Latin his testimony of conversion: “After tasting the pain of renewal for two years and seven months, I found full absolution and grace through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.” For the next few months in London, he listened to other renowned preachers, including John Wesley (the brother of Charles Wesley, who wrote “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”) It didn’t take long for Robinson to enter into the ministry. In 1757, at age 22, not quite three years after his conversion, he served as the preacher at a Calvinist Methodist Chapel in Mildenhall, Suffolk, where he wrote the hymn we now so treasure, “Come Thou Fount of Every Belssing.” He wrote this hymn for his sermon on Pentecost Sunday (which is quite interesting, as Reginald Heber wrote his famous hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” for Pentecost Sunday service as well!) The tune that we now know is referred to as NETTLETON, composed by the great American evangelist, Asahel Nettleton in 1813, and published in John Wyeth's <i>Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second. </i></div>
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What is so beautiful is that the dream Robinson’s mother had for his life <i>did come to pass. </i>Her son not only eventually came to turn from his selfish life of debauchery to follow the Lord, but also devoted his entire life from that point on to the ministry. It is safe to assume that his mother was a woman of prayer, as she was deeply committed to her faith. What a reminder for each of us that “the vision awaits its appointed time…if it seems slow, wait for it; It will surely come.”(Habakkuk 2:3) We <i>can </i>trust God’s promises. It is so important for us to look to Christ first and not just look to the outcome of our prayers, and hopes, and dreams. We must wait upon the Lord and His goodness, His timing, and His perfect way. Things don’t always turn out exactly the way we imagine, but when God gives a promise, and when He is the author of a vision or dream, He is true to His Word. May we look to Christ and look to Scripture, the Word of God, for continual hope and truth. We know not what tomorrow holds, but we do know that our Savior holds the future, and He <i>always </i>knows every detail! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Robinson continued to preach, moving to an Independent church in Norwich and eventually a Baptist church in Cambridge. He lived out his life in ministry to the Lord. He only lived to be 54, but 34 of those years he walked in faith, preaching and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. For us, his legacy lives on in a very real way through the exquisite hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s just look for a minute at some of the deep theology found in this hymn, along with the honest cry of confession. I think one of the reasons why so many people love this hymn is because of it’s lyrical authenticity—we can relate so well to Robinson in his human struggles…In verse three, he confesses, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love.” Even for those of us who have been walking with the Lord for years, isn’t it true that every day, our hearts are prone to wander? We are prone toward temptation, sin, selfishness, and distractions and idols of this world. Sometimes it is just the mere busyness of life that gets in the way of our relationship with Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have noticed in my own life lately that it seems I make time for everything but the Lord. Yes, I give Him some of my time, but He seems not to be the priority. It’s only <i>if </i>I have time, instead of <i>making time. </i>So I ask Him again and again to please “tune my heart to sing Thy grace”—tune my heart back to Yours, Lord! Please “seal my heart for Thy courts above” and “bind my wandering heart to Thee.” Just like a piano needs constant tuning, my heart needs to be tuned <i>daily </i>to be in key with the Lord. I need that time to be still, to be in His presence, where He can convict, grow, mold, and transform me to be ever like Him. Sometimes tuning can be painful and costly, but the end product is so exquisite when the notes of my life are in order and I sing His song with every breath I breathe…Oh Jesus, please tune me back to You, no matter what the process, no matter what the cost. Please allow the song of my life to echo Your praise and Your truth, O God! <o:p></o:p></div>
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In verse three, Robinson wrote, “O to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be…” We truly are debtors daily to the grace of Christ. It reminds me of the theology of cheep grace versus costly grace, which the holocaust martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, wrote about in 1937 in <i>The Cost of Discipleship. </i>The grace of Jesus Christ is so costly, so perfect, that we are indebted daily to that grace to live for a higher calling—the calling of true discipleship. In verse two, Robinson wrote of “His precious blood,” which reminds us of many of the great hymns of our faith that also speak of the blood, including Robert Lowry’s mighty, “Nothing but the Blood.” As we discovered in that hymn, the words blood and grace are often interchangeable, both displaying the costly gift that was given for our Salvation by our Savior Jesus. Verse two also has the famous line, “Here I raise mine Ebenezer.” I particularly love this portion, as Ebenezer is defined as a rock or stone of help. We see time and again in the Old Testament when God would call his people to raise an altar of remembrance after He gave them victory or passage…the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 7:12 specifically named a stone "Ebenezer" after victory over the Philistines. When God gives us victory in our life—victory over sin, victory over struggles or trials or battles, whether physical and spiritual—it is important to <i>remember </i>what He has done for us by His power and grace. Often songs of praise themselves are our great Ebenezer!<o:p></o:p></div>
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May we, like Robert Robinson, allow our hearts to be tuned daily to the grace of our Lord Jesus, and may we continue to remember to raise our own Ebenezer in remembrance and honor to the God of our Salvation. May we hold onto the promises of His Word and trust that He is faithful until the end, perfecting the work of faith that He began in our lives, and bringing to completion the vision of eternal hope which he has shown us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>Come Thou fount of every blessing</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Tune my heart to sing Thy grace</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Streams of mercy never ceasing</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Call for songs of loudest praise</b></i></div>
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<b><i>Teach me some melodious sonnet</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sung by flaming tongues above</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Mount of Thy redeeming love</i></b></div>
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<i><b>Here I raise mine Ebenezer</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Hither by Thy help I come</b></i></div>
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<i><b>And I hope by Thy good pleasure</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Safely to arrive at home</b></i></div>
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<b><i>Jesus sought me when a stranger</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Wondering from the fold of God</i></b></div>
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<b><i>He, to rescue me from danger</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Interposed His precious blood</i></b></div>
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<i><b>O to grace how great a debtor</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Daily I'm constrained to be!</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Let Thy goodness like a fetter,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Bind my wandering heart to Thee</b></i></div>
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<b><i>Prone to wander Lord I feel it,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Prone to leave the God I love…</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it,</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Seal it for Thy courts above</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is a stanza that is not often included, but speaks of profound theology on Heaven:</span></div>
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<i>O that Day when freed from sinning</i></div>
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<i>I shall see Thy lovely Face</i></div>
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<i>Clothed then in blood-washed linnen</i></div>
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<i>How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace</i></div>
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<i>Come, my Lord, no longer tarry</i></div>
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<i>Take my ransom’d Soul away</i></div>
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<i>Send thine Angels now to carry</i></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Me to realms of endless Day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Peterson, Randy. <i>Be Still My Soul:The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns.</i>Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> “Robert Robinson.” <a href="https://hymnary.org/person/Robinson_R" style="color: purple;">https://hymnary.org/person/Robinson_R</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hawn, C. Michael “History of Hymns: ‘Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.’” <a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing" style="color: purple;">https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-come-thou-fount-of-every-blessing</a></span></div>
Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-68608190037679527562018-11-09T14:19:00.003-08:002018-11-23T15:54:01.980-08:00Holy, Holy, Holy!I was trying to decide which hymn to write about this week, and my sweet son decided for me. He has been singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" for the past couple days, and it sure warms my mama heart. I didn't realize how many of the lyrics he had memorized from this song! This particular hymn will forever hold special meaning and memories for me. When I sing it, I often picture all the saints and angels singing together in Heavenly Glory one day. It almost takes my breath away. As Stanton Nelson points out in his article about "Holy, Holy, Holy," this song is unique in that it doesn't initiate praise as most hymns do, but rather draws us in to "join in an endless song" for all eternity.<br />
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Back in 2015, after my brain surgery, I held onto the promise that one day I would be able to sing God's praise again. Although the surgery left me with a daunting recovery, with so many of my cranial nerves temporarily damaged, one of the incredible miracles God did was to spare my vocal chords. The brain tumor was only millimeters away from the nerve which controls the vocal chords. This nerve was at high risk along with all of the other nerves, yet God guided my surgeon's hands so perfectly. Before surgery, I had to be ready for anything, including the possibility of never singing again. I had to surrender that especially to the Lord, and trust that He would have another calling for me if singing was not in my future. I wrestled with my identity being not in what I do, but rather in <i>who</i> I am in Christ- a beloved child of God. I had to trust that even if my life held challenges or disabilities, that my life would still have purpose here on earth. Every life matters, even when there is suffering. Nothing is without purpose. There is redemption and beauty, even in pain, when we trust that God is Sovereign and good.<br />
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When I awoke from surgery, even though I couldn't see anything clearly and the hearing was gone in my left ear, I knew immediately that my voice was going to be okay. Although my head was spinning and throbbing in unbearable pain, I had no pain at all in my throat. Even the anesthesiologists took so much extra care with my vocal chords (I remember during other minor surgeries in the past waking up with so much pain in my throat). As I made my way through the journey of recovery, and then was walking with Jamie through his own cancer battle, I eventually began to sing quietly at the piano again, months later. For some reason, God just put this old hymn on my heart. I fell in love with the lyrics and tune like never before. The Lord inspired a short bridge that I wrote in-between the verses. I was ecstatic to be arranging music again and writing, while also treasuring an old hymn. It felt so right to praise the holiness of God. It was a reminder that <i>God was and is and always will be on the throne</i>, and that to worship Him is truly an honor and joy. Every morning is filled with His mercy and hope. The darkness can never stop His glory and power from shining through.<br />
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Six long months after my surgery, it was August and week seven of Jamie's chemotherapy (just three weeks before our wedding day). I had the joy of singing on Sunday, August 23rd at my home church in Delaware, Brandywine Valley Baptist. It was my first Sunday to sing again in church. That morning was raw emotion. The Holy Spirit was so present. We were in the thick of the battle still, yet the victory had already been won. The last six months had been filled with such pain and joy, and around the corner was the promise of a new journey- marriage. To be there with my church family and to give God the glory for all He had done and all He had yet to do, and to magnify Him for <i>Who He is- forever Faithful and completely Holy-</i> that was a gift beyond measure. To be able to open my lungs and sing His praise...something I didn't know I'd be able to do again...I was overwhelmed in that moment.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are Holy, my God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou art Holy, Lord God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are Holy, my God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou art Holy, Lord God<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who wert and art and evermore shalt be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are Holy, my God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou art Holy, Lord God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are Holy, my God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou art Holy, Lord God<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are Holy, my God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou art Holy, Lord God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You are Holy, my God</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thou art Holy, Lord God</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">(Arrangement by Caitlin Jane © BMI)</span></div>
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The words of this old hymn were written by a man named Reginald Heber. Young Reginald was born in 1783 to a minister and his wife in Cheshire, England. From what we know, his childhood was a happy one in the small English village of Hodnet. Later, he went on to study at Oxford and became close friends with Sir Walter Scott. An avid poet, Heber won the Newdigate Prize for his poem "Palestine" at age twenty. He eventually took on his father's role as vicar at the parish where he grew up in Hornet.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Reginald Heber)</span></div>
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His gift of poetry turned into a passion for hymn-writing. During an age when most parishes were only singing the metrical Psalms, Heber dreamed of publishing a hymnal that would correspond to the church liturgical calendar. However, his Bishop disagreed and turned down his idea. In fact, hymn singing was prohibited by the Church of England (it was the Methodists who brought hymn singing to life, and other "dissenting" churches who sang the hymns of Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, and the likes). Heber actually eventually helped change the common thought that hymns were only something that "extreme Evangelicals" and Methodists could sing... (It is quite sad how style of worship has always been a cause of contention between Christ-followers down through the centuries. Unfortunately, we often idolize the songs and style instead of giving true worship and preference to Christ himself, the Person of our Worship). </div>
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Heber did not give up writing hymns for his parish as he felt so convicted to do so, and he wrote a total of 57 hymns during his 16 years as vicar. With a heart to carry the gospel throughout the world, Heber eventually went to India as a missionary in 1822. From 1823-1826 he oversaw the Anglican Church's mission to India as Bishop of Calcutta. There, he visited mission stations and churches throughout the country, preaching the gospel, confirming new believers in Christ, and building a training school for local preachers. He died suddenly, only a few years into his service there. He was in Trichinopoly, India the day he died, and had just preached to a large crowd. Afterward, he took a swim to bathe and cool off from being out in the hot sun, and ended up drowning due to a stroke. It was the year 1826. His dear widow found his 57 hymns in a trunk and eventually made his dream come true. The next year, in 1827, she had them published in <i>Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Service of the Church Year.</i></div>
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Heber specifically wrote "Holy, Holy, Holy" for Trinity Sunday (the first Sunday after Pentecost) and his intention was that this hymn be sung before or after the congregational reading of the Nicene Creed. This trinitarian hymn celebrates the mystery, the beauty, the power, and the holiness of the God-head: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This hymn magnifies the name of the Lord and puts God in His rightful place. </div>
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In 1861, 35 years after Heber's death, a publisher discovered the lyrics to "Holy, Holy, Holy" and took them to John Bacchus Dykes to write a tune. He was a good candidate to come up with a tune, as Dykes wrote over 300 tunes to hymns throughout his life. Dykes was the choir director of the Durham Cathedral and co-founder of the Cambridge University Musical Society. As young vicar of the St. Oswald Parish, Dykes's service to the church began at just ten years old when he started playing organ. He very much embraced the "high-church" tradition, appreciating the Church of England's roots in Roman Catholicism. He was one that believed in the divine rights of the monarchy. His Bishop disagreed sharply with these views. (Heber and Dykes had at least one thing in common in ministry- their overseeing Bishops distinctly disagreed with some of their strong views about church worship...)</div>
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Within just 30 minutes of reading the text, Dykes wrote the tune NICAEA. It is safe to say, and few Christians would argue, this tune was truly Holy Spirit inspired. The tune he wrote was majestic and striking; one's soul cannot help but be stirred by it. The meter is in the rare 11.12.12.10 form, which is quite long compared to most hymns of its day. Also, the rhyme scheme so unique in that all four lines of each verse rhyme with the word "holy."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(John Bacchus Dykes)</span></div>
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The tune, NICAEA, was named after the council of Nicaea, which took place in 325 A.D.. At that particular council, the Biblically-rooted theology of the Trinity was embraced and agreed upon by the early church leaders, who wrote down this belief into clear words. The Nicene Creed has continued to be held as true doctrine throughout all centuries since then, all over the world among all believers. These early Christian creeds have been so vital in keeping true to Scripture and unified as believers over the past two thousand years. The Nicene Creed, in particular, has been able to denounce heresies that claim that Christ was merely a man, and not Divine. </div>
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Something that is so special about this hymn, in particular, is that it celebrates the "Trisagion" (Greek for "thrice holy") that is found in both Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4. Isaiah's vision dates back to the 8th Century B.C. and John's revelation is from the 1st Century A.D. The passage in Isaiah speaks in language that indicates clearly the existence of God's triune nature. God asks Isaiah, "Who will go for <i>us?"</i> Dykes tune brilliantly interweaves themes of three to highlight the triplet of God's holiness and the trinity of God's being throughout the hymn. One of the ways he did this was using a rising third in the finale of the song. The tune is paired so exquisitely with the text- both radiate the truth of Scripture as well as the hope that we hold onto in the Holy, Everlasting Triune God, who is the glorious object of our eternal worship.</div>
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<i>"In the year that King Uzziah died,</i></div>
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<i>I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne;</i></div>
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<i>and the train of His robe filled the temple.</i></div>
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<i>Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings...</i></div>
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<i>And they were calling to one another:</i></div>
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<i><b>'Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD Almighty;</b></i></div>
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<i><b>the whole earth is full of His glory.'"</b></i></div>
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<i>"After this I looked, and there before me</i><br />
<i>was a door standing open in heaven....</i></div>
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<i>At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me</i></div>
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<i>was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it...</i></div>
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<i>A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne...</i></div>
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<i>From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder...</i></div>
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<i>Also in front of the throne there was what looked like</i><br />
<i>a sea of glass, clear as crystal. </i></div>
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<i>In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures...</i></div>
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<i>And they do not rest day or night, saying:</i></div>
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<i><b>'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Who was and is and is to come!'"</b></i></div>
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<i>(Revelation 4:8)</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>NICENE CREED:</u></b></span></div>
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We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,</div>
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Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. </div>
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We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father,</div>
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God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made,</div>
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of one Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made.</div>
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For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit.</div>
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He became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.</div>
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For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered death and was buried.</div>
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On the third day He rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;</div>
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He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.</div>
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He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,</div>
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and His Kingdom will have no end.</div>
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We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son.</div>
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With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. </div>
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We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Peterson, Randy. <i>Be Still My Soul:The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns.</i>Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nelson, Stanton. "History of Hymns: 'Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty.'"<a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-holy-holy-holy-lord-god-almighty">https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-holy-holy-holy-lord-god-almighty</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">"John Dykes: Composer of 'Holy, Holy, holy.'" <a href="https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/john-dykes-composer-of-holy-holy-holy-11630579.html">https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/john-dykes-composer-of-holy-holy-holy-11630579.html</a> </span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-21423054504030534022018-11-02T11:02:00.004-07:002018-11-09T09:10:54.465-08:00He Leadeth Me<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was July of 2015.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jamie was finishing his first round of chemotherapy, starting to feel the wind knocked out of him as his strength was waning.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">His brother and 1 ½ year old nephew came up from Arkansas for a visit, which was a big boost to his morale and strength. Then, later in the week, his sister-in-law and their two girls traveled to meet up with us in Delaware, too. I was slowly but surely meeting each of his family members over time during our engagement…with many of them at a distance. I met his two little nieces, blonde haired girls with twinkles and fiery joy in their eyes. The two of them stood in my parent’s living room and sweetly sang for us. Their soft, high voices soared as they sang an old hymn. It was one I wasn’t as familiar with, but it became one of my favorite hymns instantly, in that holy moment. Their angelic, young voices were so innocent, so filled with peace and beauty as they sang out “He leadeth me, O blessed thought…”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was during a time when it seemed like we couldn’t see even one step in front of us, let alone 6 weeks ahead, when it would be our wedding day. The year had hit us with the reality of difficulties, great unknown, plans thwarted, and pain, yet it had also sent a clash of unbelievable joy and ever deepening faith, our love story unfolding amidst a reckless trust in the Lord like we’d never known before. What an incredible reminder this song, “He Leadeth Me,” was—to trust in our Heavenly Father, who leads us beside quiet waters and in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. He Whose Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, His gentle, yet strong hand leads us faithfully to the end. That good work which He began in us, He will bring to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. Oh the glorious promises, packed with power, from His Holy Word! What comfort it was, and still is, to know that He has a plan beyond what we can see here and now, and that He is faithful to complete that which He started in our lives—the Author and Finisher of our faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Holy Spirit spoke comfort, courage, and compassion to my soul on that hot summer day when the girls sang for us. I will never forget that moment in our journey—it was as if time stood still and for a few seconds, God just held us close and gifted us with beauty and joy in the voices of children. So simple; so significant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fast forward with me 2 ½ years later, to early 2018 when I was picking songs for the <i>Hallelujah</i>album. It wasn’t even much of a question whether this song should be on the album—it is a part of Jamie’s and my story, a part of our faith strengthening. However, I knew I couldn’t sing this song alone, but I needed some very special girls to sing on the album with me. Through some crazy juggling of schedules and reserving of studio time, and a few adults jumping through hoops, we got our two nieces to fly up from Arkansas with their dad. We drove up from Virginia, and one of my nieces from Delaware joined us for the day. All of us spent April 14<sup>th</sup>at MorningStar Studios, just 23 miles away from First Baptist Church and a home down the road in Philadelphia, where Joseph Gilmore penned the words to this hymn 156 years prior. Incredible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Leah, Campbell, and Mary Ann walked into the studio, each one with such humble confidence. They wore smiles all day, and couldn’t help but giggle and chatter between singing. They sat on their stools, headphones on, microphones in front of them, and their young voices resounded with glory only Heaven could surpass. What an honor to have three of my nieces join me on this recording journey, and have their voices recorded on this album, singing praise to our Heavenly Father, who leads us on His good and faithful path. It was one of the happiest days ever for all of us! They absolutely nailed their part of the song, recorded a few takes for layering, and then got to explore the studio and how the soundboard works, while Glenn showed them tricks and buttons and how he does the engineering for the songs! We celebrated with barbecue and brownies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThankfulSparrow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="637" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98HAL_l7jd7PnqwbWHP5BCw4mGNl_y6zKoipi5UsJBHOKg3ApHN0SOTi11wsnDtoyCKalijDEzTLkHQPieh1BFwckh23JUJeNuvi4kdi4rxVbFFPzRGBzH5wOektdkuZE0ClXqO6vcHg/s400/IMG-1070.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I gifted the girls these sweet necklaces from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThankfulSparrow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">The Thankful Sparrow</a> as a reminder that forever and always, He leads us. Through mountains, through valleys, through storms, through sunshine, through pain, through joy, through suffering, through glory, <b>our Good Shepherd leads us. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheThankfulSparrow?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="622" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6sw2BMAkvBKHYIZAWsotOgmlQ_yoDxmpsbDAeSmqNOXunbW57AW_31f56isuulCXgPh8uSSb3mDjCBsYqzUrtOMQhxH8YHUgLykW8tHLgr-mz_OSju94DOuCvejNDc_H6mSCQ7LIkNw/s400/IMG-1069.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s travel back now to 1862, at a time during our nation’s history that was filled with difficulties, great unknown, plans thwarted, and pain. War had broken out between the North and South. Brother was fighting against brother, father against son, neighbor against neighbor. Friends and family members had turned into foes, and the trauma and loss was unimaginable. It was a deep, dark time in history, yet light seems to shine ever brighter during the darkest nights. A young pastor, only 28-years-old, was asked to preach at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia on March 26<sup>th,</sup>during their mid-week service. Joseph Henry Gilmore recalled, "I set out to give the people an exposition of the Twenty-Third Psalm. I had given this exposition on three or four other occasions; but this time I did not get beyond the words 'He leadeth me.' So greatly impressed was I with the blessedness of divine guidance that I made this my theme. It was the darkest hour of the Civil War. I did not refer to that fact—that is, I don't think I did—but it may subconsciously have led me to realize that God’s leadership is the one significant fact in human experience, that it makes no difference how we are led, or whither we are led, so long as we are sure God is leading us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the service, Gilmore went to the home of a deacon. He recollected, "There we continued our discussion of divine guidance. While I was still talking and listening, I wrote on a piece of my exposition manuscript the words to this hymn. I handed the paper to my wife and more or less forgot the incident." It wasn’t until three years later, when he was invited to preach at the Second Baptist Church in Rochester, where he would later become lead pastor after his time leading a congregation in New Hampshire, that he stumbled upon the greatest of surprises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gilmore wrote, "I picked up a church hymnal to see what songs they sang and was surprised to have the book fall open to the very song I had written three years earlier. When I returned home, I related this experience to my wife. 'I do not understand it,' I said. 'My words had been set to music by Dr. William B. Bradbury; yet I had not given the words to anybody.' My wife smiled and said, 'I can explain it, Joseph. I felt that the words would bless the hearts of people in these troublesome times; so I sent the poem to <i>The Watchman</i> and <i>Reflector.</i> I am glad to know that they have printed it.'"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Gilmore went on to be a professor of Hebrew, logic, and English literature at Rochester Theological Seminary after pastoring churches in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and New York. However, he is best remembered for his beloved hymn.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The Lord is my Shepherd;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I shall not want.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">He </i><i>taketh</i><i style="font-family: inherit;"> me to lie down in green pastures:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">He leadeth me beside the sill waters.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">He restoreth my soul:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">I will fear no evil:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">For Thou art with me;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">Thou </i><i>preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thou anoints my head with oil;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>My cup runneth over.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(Psalm 23)</i></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">HE LEADETH ME<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He leadeth me! O blessed thought<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">O words with heav’nly comfort fraught;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What e’er I do, where e’er I be,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still ’tis God’s hand that leadeth me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes ’mid scenes of deepest gloom,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes where Eden’s bowers bloom,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">By waters calm, o’er troubled sea,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still ’tis His hand that leadeth me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nor ever murmur nor repine;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Content what-e’er my lot may be<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since tis My God who leadeth me<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And when my task on earth is done,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">When, by Thy grace, the victory’s won,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">E’en death’s cold wave I will not flee,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since God thro' Jordan leadeth me!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He leadeth me! He leadeth me!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">By His own hand He leadeth me;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">His faithful follower I would be,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">For by His hand He leadeth me.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Sources:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Graves, Dan. “Joseph Gilmore’s Memorable Hymn.” https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1901-2000/joseph-gilmores-memorable-hymn-11630718.html<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hawn, Michael C. “History of Hymns: ‘He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought.’”<b></b>https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-he-leadeth-me-o-blessed-thought</span><b style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-51812550123505125292018-10-23T08:18:00.002-07:002018-10-23T08:23:56.239-07:00Nothing but the Blood<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the reasons I love hymns so much is the rich theology found in the lyrics. It is good, as the psalmist reminds us in Psalm 96, to sing a new song unto the Lord, but it is also good to remember the heritage from which we have come and to remember the songs of old. It is so important to stand on the unchanging, undefiled Word of God that is incorruptible and immutable—the cornerstone and bedrock of our Christian faith, rooted in everlasting truth. Truth is not the newest, latest, and greatest, but</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">has always been </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">and</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">always will be; </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">truth needs not to progress nor modify nor conform, but rather stands alone in it’s absolution. Jesus Himself is</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">the Way, the Truth, and the Life </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">(John 14:6)</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He is the Word that was from the very beginning (John 1:1).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Robert Lowry’s classic hymn, “Nothing but the Blood,<i>”</i>written in 1876, is exemplary as it stands on the unchanging Truth of God’s Word and basic Christian theology, founded in Jesus Christ alone. This hymn, like countless hymns, is simply timeless in it’s message. It was profound when it was written, and it’s words still ring true today. In the original publication which the hymn was printed,<i>Gospel Music</i>(1876), the publishers, Robert Lowry and William H. Doane, put the following verse right above the song: “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). It’s that simple. Our sins are stains on our souls that cannot be washed away without a perfect sacrifice—and the only perfect sacrifice is the blood of the spotless Lamb of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Blood” is an interesting word that is found in many beloved hymns of the faith. With blood we often picture war and gore. And that is true here also, but this war that was won by Christ Jesus was the battle for our souls, the greatest battle in human history, and the victory is so amazing and life-giving we must sing about it! C. Michael Hawn brings up an interesting fact in his article about “Nothing but the Blood” by noting that in most hymns, when the word “blood” is used, the word “grace” could also stand in place there and be sung instead, keeping the song still true to the Gospel. Lowry was not the only hymn writer who spoke of the blood of Jesus so boldly—Wesley, among others, used this word time and again in hymns to depict the truth of Scripture and the weight of our salvation. It is because of the blood that we have grace, and it is by grace we are saved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the beautiful aspects of this particular hymn is the call and response form in the stanzas. The multitude of questions and the continual same answer, “Nothing but the blood of Jesus,” truly force us to pause, to think, to consider the depth of what we are singing. What can wash away <i>my sin? </i>My guilt. My stains. My chains. My filth. My mistakes. My wrongdoings. My shortcomings. My imperfections. My regret. My condemnation. My failures. <i>Only the precious and perfect blood of Jesus Christ, only the power of the blood of the Lamb, can take away the entirety of all the sins of the world. The blood of the Lamb is the answer to our every question, our every need, our every sin, our every longing and hope. </i>The blood of Jesus somehow, mysteriously, perfectly, beautifully makes us whole again. It gives us hope and life and peace. It allows us one day in the near future to go home, where we will be free of sin and death and we will come fully alive and be with our Savior forever. Like many gospel songs, Heaven is the destination and the goal here, the final peak of complete hope and the promise of that to which we look forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So many of the world’s religions and philosophies embrace the general idea that humans must give their greatest efforts in this life, and if those efforts are good enough, then the reward of afterlife will be theirs. So most people go around comparing themselves with others, thinking, “Well, I’m better than he is or she is, so I must be good enough, right?” But the truth is, none of us is good enough, no one, ever, because the standard isn’t other sinful people, but rather the standard is a perfect, holy God, in whose presence we do not deserve to stand. It’s impossible to come before His throne in our imperfections and iniquities. So God made a way—divinity took on flesh, He came down for us, met us in our muck and mire, and in His perfection, shed His blood as the sacrifice for us to be cleansed and made completely whole and holy by His love. Wow. The greatest love story ever told is the story of our Savior and the greatest gift ever given was the shedding of His blood, by His grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So who was the man behind “Nothing but the Blood?” Robert Lowry was his name, and he wrote both the words and the original music to the song. Lowry was one of those men in history who was faithful, steadfast, and authentic in his faith. He lived a life that honored the Lord, and it seems that although he was quite talented and intelligent, he was humble and always worked to serve the Lord Jesus. While he had no formal music training, he sat at his organ at home every Sunday evening and wrote hymns. (I’m thinking I may adopt this habit! I have been, of late, devoting myself with more intention to keeping the Sabbath holy, focusing on the Lord, family, and rest. But how beautiful would it be to just set aside Sunday evenings for simple worship and songwriting for His glory?) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Lowry was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1826. At age 17 he</span>became a member at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia and began serving in the Sunday School ministry there. At age 22 he enrolled in Lewisberg University (known as Bucknell University today). As a Baptist minister, he pastored churches in West Chester, PA, Bloomingdale, NY, Brooklyn, NY, Lewisberg, PA (where he was also professor of Rhetoric at Lewisburg University and later Chancellor), and Plainfield, NJ. He was known for being an excellent speaker, inspiring audiences with his great enthusiasm and oratory skills. Along with editing many hymn collections in the 1860s and 1870s (<i>Gospel Melodies, Bright Jewels, and Pure Gold</i>), he also wrote tunes to go along with song written by other famous hymn lyric writers, such as Fanny Crosby. His “melodies and songs were but the expression of the man’s heart and his character, and they attracted all men to him,” stated Lowry’s eulogy, written by an unknown man who went by “H.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A fascinating fact about Robert Lowry has me marveling. It has nothing to do with his ministry or the vast sum of hymns he wrote, except for the fact that this man used his brilliant mind and musical ability to the highest standard, with only the sky as the limit. During his time as editor for the various hymn collections, he tried to reduce music to a mathematical basis. Because Middle C has 256 vibrations per second, Lowry formed a scale and attempted to work off the number three. He made countless attempts experimenting with calculations, until he finally concluded his theory did not work. Honestly, this is all above my head—way above my head! I’ve never been good at theory or at reading music, so this just impresses me so that this man would take music and math that far!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wanted the song “Nothing but the Blood” to be first on my <i>Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns </i>album, after the Gregorian chant intro, “Agnus Dei,” because I wanted the album to start off literally on the right note. And that note is to confess that we are sinners in need of a Savior. I am a sinner, very much in need of a Savior. I desperately need grace. My longing is for this album not to be about me, but rather be about my Savior, Jesus, and to tell the story of the cross and the resurrection and the only hope that can anchor our souls. I am reminded continually of how much I sin, in what I’ve done and left undone, in what I think and what I say. But I am also reminded continually of what Christ has done on my behalf, and that His blood speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24). Because this great hymn is so theologically rich, I decided to write a new tune that would wake up our hearts to the fullness of the lyrics and the message. Sometimes we sing hymns over and over and we forget the profound message behind them. Something fresh and new musically can often remind us of the depth of unchanging truth lyrically.<span style="color: blue;"></span>I still love the old tune that Lowry wrote, and I hope this new tune I wrote honors him as the original hymn writer. The new tune I composed is a more haunting melody that really paints a musical picture of the mystery and power of the blood. I hope that it resonates with your heart, my friend, when you hear it and sing along. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let us meditate on the beauty of these Scripture passages below and celebrate the saving grace we have received through our Savior’s blood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>“…having now been justified by His blood,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;">we shall be saved from wrath through Him.</i><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>”</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Romans 5:9)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>“Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.’”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Luke 22:20)<b style="font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>like silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”</i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(1 Peter 1:18-19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>we have fellowship with one another,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (I John 1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>and by the word of their testimony…”</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (Revelation 12:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>“In Him we have redemption through His blood,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>the forgiveness of sins,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>according to the riches of His grace.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Ephesians 1:7)</span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD</b></i><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">What can wash away my sin?</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus;</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">What can make me whole again?</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus.</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Oh! precious is the flow</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>That makes me white as snow;</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>No other fount I know,</i></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Nothing but the blood of Jesus.</i></span></b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing can for sin atone,</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus;</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Naught of good that I have done,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus.</i><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;">This is all my hope and peace,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus;</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">This is all my righteousness,</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now by this I’ll overcome—</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus;</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Now by this I’ll reach my home—</i><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing but the blood of Jesus.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hawn, C. Michael “History of Hymns: ‘Nothing but the Blood.’” <a href="https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-nothing-but-the-blood" style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-nothing-but-the-blood</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">McDavitt, Dan. “Rev. Dr. Robert Lowry: Professor, Minister and Composer.” <a href="http://www.unioncountyhistoricalsociety.org/OnceUpon/Article85.pdf" style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">http://www.unioncountyhistoricalsociety.org/OnceUpon/Article85.pdf</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Hall, Jacob Henry. “Robert Lowry: Baptist Preacher and Hymn Writer.” <a href="https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/blowry.html" style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">https://www.wholesomewords.org/biography/blowry.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">“Nothing but the Blood: Theology of the Song.” https://www.austinstoneworship.com/nothing-blood-theology-song/</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-4402881408505572872018-10-13T22:09:00.002-07:002018-10-13T22:09:58.756-07:00Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus / Be Thou My Vision<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This week’s blog is actually about two hymns, because I chose to do a medley on the <i>Hallelujah </i>album for track #13. (A simple way to squeeze in more hymns on the album and create some fun arrangements!) So let’s journey together back in time and discover the stories behind these two gems. I’ll first share a little of why I picked these songs! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">September 12, 2015 was the most beautiful, glorious day. It felt like a fairy tale dream come true—God’s grace was just radiant and the blessings were abundant. In a pine grove outside a historic church on the coast of Maine we said our vows, and committed our lives to one another, until death do us part. Our wedding hymn, led by my father-in-law, with voices ringing out in the wind a capella, was “Be Thou My Vision.” It was truly a holy moment; I may overuse that phrase, but I believe there are no better words to describe what took place as we lifted our voices in praise on our wedding day, sun beaming down upon us and our worship rising to the heavens. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fifteen months later, on December 7, 2016, our miracle baby boy was born. Every night since that night we have sung a special hymn together as a family before bedtime, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” These two hymns have become anthems for our family, their message the anchors in the waves of life. In this busy, distracted, stressful world, it is so good for us to quiet our hearts each evening and call to mind the true source of our hope—Jesus. It is vital for us to turn our eyes away from the things of this world—our selfish ambitions, our fears, our regrets, those things that seek to take precedence in our hearts over what truly matters, and to fix our thoughts and vision back toward Christ our Savior and Lord. Over a decade ago, when I was on the Power House worship band in college, I remember singing these songs together as a medley, so it just seemed to be fitting to do the same on this album. They’ve always gone hand in hand in my heart, and they are the two hymns that mean the most to my little family. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we travel back 1600 years, we will find one of my favorite heroes in history—St. Patrick. When most of the western world thinks of his name, shamrocks and green come to mind. However, St. Patrick’s story is one beyond incredible that every believer should know. I’m sad to say I first got to know his true story through a children’s book (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Story-St-Patrick-Shamrocks-Leprechauns/dp/0882640143">it’s a fantastic children’s book by The Voice of the Martyrs</a>, though, and I encourage you to read it with the kids in your life!) When I was in my recliner post brain-surgery, with icepacks on my head and could only hear out of one ear, I listened to <a href="https://librivox.org/the-collected-works-of-saint-patrick-by-saint-patrick/">St. Patrick’s autobiography, <i>Confession</i>, on audio book</a>. I can’t tell you how much this ancient autobiography inspired me during that difficult time and lifted my spirits! (You can also <a href="https://www.confessio.ie/etexts/confessio_english#">read it online here</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the year 373 A.D., Patrick was born near the River Clyde in Scotland. Around the age of 16 years old Patrick was suddenly kidnapped by pirates who raided his town and burned down his home. They took him aboard a ship to Ireland, and it was there that he surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. In his time of peril, he turned to the Lord with his whole heart and total trust. Patrick had a rich spiritual heritage, which laid the foundation for his faith (his grandfather was a priest and his father a church deacon), but faith had never fully taken hold of his own heart until this dramatic turn of events in his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This brave young man eventually escaped and returned home, but one night in a dream, Patrick was compelled to return to Ireland to share the gospel with his captors and the lost souls of that land. He was about 30 years old when he returned, sharing the gospel and carrying his Latin Bible across the vast countryside of Ireland. He was pursued and persecuted by both the Druids and King Logaire of Tara, as men hunted down his life. However, God used Patrick’s bold mission to baptize about 100,000 new Christians and plant an estimated 200 churches. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No one is completely certain who the author of “Be Thou My Vision” is, but it is most often given credit to Dallán (Eochaid) Forgaill who lived in the 6<sup>th</sup>Century A.D. Many believe that this poem ("Rop tú mo baile" in the original Gaelic) was a tribute to St. Patrick’s zealous loyalty to God. Forgaill is now remembered by Catholics as a Saint, along with Patrick. Although his story is more obscure and not as well known, with many legends surrounding his life and death, we do know that he was a devoted man to Christ and an avid poet and scholar of Latin Scripture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Born around 530 A.D. in Magh Slécht, County Cavan, Ireland, he was descended from Irish royalty. He went blind as a young man and that is where his nickname, Dallán came from: “little blind one.” People claimed that he lost his sight due to too much reading and studying. Helping preserve the Gaelic language in his time, Forgaill became chief bard and poet of Ireland in 575, around the age of 45 years old. In the year 598 A.D., Forgaill was beheaded and martyred during an attack by pirates on the island monastery of Inniskeel, County Donegal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over 1300 years later, in 1905, “Be Thou My Vision” was translated into English by a scholar in Dublin, Mary E. Byrne. In 1912 another female scholar in Manchester, Eleanor H. Hull, arranged it into the verses we recognize today. The music is set to the ancient Irish folk tune called SLANE. Slane was an area in Ireland where Patrick was particularly up against fierce persecution and a place where he unashamedly shared the gospel. St. Patrick’s legacy lives on in many ways, and just one of those is through this beloved hymn, which was written in Ireland about 200 years after he swept through the country with the Word of God, sharing the visionary hope of Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Helen Howarth Lemmel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A contemporary of Mary E. Byrne and Eleanor H. Hull, Helen Howarth Lemmel, like Dalláin Forgaill, faced the great challenge of being blind, but her blindness came later in life. Born in 1863 in England to a Wesleyan Methodist minister and his wife, their family immigrated to America when she was about 12 years old. Helen was a gifted young woman, and throughout her life she was known as a concert soloist, doing concerts at churches throughout the Midwest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">She studied voice in Germany for four years, and married a wealthy European man, but found heartache when he left her after she became blind. She struggled with heartache throughout her long life of 97 years, but she also poured herself into worshipping the Lord. She taught music at Moody Bible Institute and at the Bible institute of Los Angeles. She also wrote about music pieces for the Seattle Post. She directed a woman’s choral group which performed in the Billy Sunday evangelical meetings. Lemmel wrote somewhere between 400 and 500 hymns and poems throughout her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In 1918, Lemmel wrote “The Heavenly Vision,” which we know today as “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.” Helen’s inspiration for the song was the writings of Isabella Lilias Trotter, in her tract “Focused.” Trotter was a talented and ardent woman who laid aside her love for art and all the wealth and influence it afforded her, to pursue a life of 38 years in the mission field, sharing the gospel to Muslims in Algeria. Trotter wrote, “Turn full your soul's vision to Jesus, and look at Him, and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we look back on the amazing lives of St. Patrick, Dállan Forgaill, Helen Howarth Lemmel, and Isabella Lilias Trotter, we see brave men and women who sacrificed everything to share the gospel around the globe and who used gifts of songwriting to worship the Lord. We are reminded that the riches of this world will leave us wanting, but that Jesus will always and ever satisfy. The light of His grace will fill us to overflowing, when we turn our gaze toward the Savior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</i></b><b><i><span style="background-color: white;"></span></i></b><b><i>Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Hebrews 12:1-3)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Colossians 3:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Turn your eyes upon Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look full in His wonderful face<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the things of earth will grow strangely dim<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the light of His glory and grace<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart<br />Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art<br />Thou my best Thought, by day or by night<br />Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word<br />I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord<br />Thou my great Father, I Thy true son<br />Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise<br />Thou mine Inheritance, now and always<br />Thou and Thou only, first in my heart<br />High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">High King of Heaven, my victory won<br />May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!<br />Heart of my own heart, whatever befall<br />Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Peterson, Randy. <i>Be Still My Soul:The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns.</i>Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2014.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">“Saint Dallan Forghaill.” <a href="https://catholicsaints.info/saint-dallan-forghaill/" style="color: purple;">https://catholicsaints.info/saint-dallan-forghaill/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">“Dallan Forgaill.” <a href="https://hymnary.org/person/Forgaill_D" style="color: purple;">https://hymnary.org/person/Forgaill_D</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">“Helen Lemmel (1863-1961)” http://womenofchristianity.com/hymn-writers/helen-lemmel-1863-1961/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">“Helen Howarth Lemmel (1863-1961)” <a href="http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/l/e/m/lemmel_hh.htm" style="color: purple;">http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/l/e/m/lemmel_hh.htm</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-22619024588441986742018-10-02T21:33:00.001-07:002018-10-23T08:19:32.649-07:00Blessed Assurance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fanny Jane Crosby- she has always been one of my heroes and favorite hymn writers. Not just because we share a middle name and we are both female songwriters, but because of the depth of her lyric writing and the passion of her faith. Another reason she has continually inspired me is because of her joy in living for Christ, even though she was blind almost her entire life, from when she was just a few weeks old. I have no idea what challenges Fanny faced as a blind woman. I am not blind, and I am so thankful for the gift of sight. However, for the past four years I have experienced visual impairment due to the after-effects of the brain tumor I had. My brain just hasn't been able to get my eyes to function the way they used to and they haven't been able to work together simultaneously, leaving me with double vision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am hopeful for continual healing, but no matter what God's plan is for my eyes, I want to be an overcomer; <i>I want to choose to see Jesus in all things</i>. When I read about people like Fanny Crosby, I am reminded that my challenges are quite minimal in comparison, and yet my attitude is often quite lacking joy. It's all about perspective. A person like Fanny Crosby is someone we remember, because her story is one of perpetual hope, faith, and victory in Jesus. She didn't let her disability be the mark that defined her life, rather her God-given abilities and overcoming spirit gave her opportunities to use her gifts to touch this world in amazing ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fanny simply chose to not feel sorry for herself. She chose to use her time to relentlessly follow after Jesus. She chose to fill her brilliant mind with the constant truth of Scripture. As a child, she memorized five chapters of the Bible a week. She was able to recite from memory the <span style="background-color: white;">Pentateuch, the Gospels, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and many Psalms. </span>She chose to teach others who were blind and invest in their lives. She chose to use music as a means to worship the Lord and bring glory to His name. This woman who grew up fatherless, impoverished, and blind did not let her past dictate her future, but instead let God write His glorious plans for her life, and became influential around the world with over 9,000 hymns, many that are still popular today. God raised up young Francis "for such a time as this" and her influence extended to even congress and presidents- building friendships with many national leaders. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some wondered why God would allow such an amazing woman to become blind at only six weeks old...but Fanny responded to such doubts and questions with a simple statement: <span style="background-color: white;">"Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind? Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior." Oh the depths of her faith! Oh her steadfast joy! I long to have that kind love for my Jesus. To be quite honest, sometimes I struggle with my own disability and can have days where it is so frustrating and difficult to see clearly. I feel like I am stumbling over everything, dizzy, head spinning, tired, and head hurting. Ok, I realize it's not that bad...I have friends who are blind or have visual impairment much worse than my own, but you know how it is...we all have pathetic pity parties for ourselves here and there, at times.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But when I recall the quote above from dear Fanny Jane, my whole heart perspective is rearranged and I remember <i>Heaven</i>. I think about the beautiful face of <i>Jesus</i>. I begin to cry tears of overwhelming joy. And my hope becomes so fixed and secure. It is often during worship on Sunday mornings when I imagine seeing Jesus face to face in all His glory and perfect presence. And I do imagine His face being the first that I see totally clearly, one face, no double, no dizziness, no blurred image. Totally clear, beautiful, holy, perfect, strong, radiant light. I'm crying now, even as I type this, trying to picture what it really will be like to be with Him in that moment, <i>forever</i>. No sickness, no pain, no questions, no frustrations, no hurt, no brokenness, no anxiousness, no darkness, no injustice, no sin. Only wholeness and healing and hope <i>forever. </i>Only relationship and closeness and knowing Him and being known <i>forever. </i>Only life and joy and peace and glory <i>forever. </i>Only love and victory <i>forever. </i>Only all our deepest longings met <i>forever.</i> Oh how I long to see the face of Jesus. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which brings me to Fanny's beloved hymn, "Blessed Assurance." You see, back in late 2014 and early 2015, when I was awaiting brain surgery and facing the very possible reality of death, I had many questions for God and many moments when I just sought His face, His presence. I didn't know what the outcome of surgery would be. I knew this brain tumor, left alone, could take my life over the course of the next several years, slowly. I knew God had opened up the amazing door for surgery with an incredible surgeon who might very well save my life. But I also knew that the stakes were high and the risks were beyond great. The brain stem was involved. An artery feeding blood supply to the brain stem was smack dab running through the middle of the brain tumor. I had to come face to face with my faith once and for all and ask myself, "Do I really believe what I say I believe?"</span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was in worship one early Sunday morning when that <i>blessed assurance</i> hit my soul like an ocean wave washing over me. I knew that I knew, that no matter what, my Jesus paid for my sins on the cross so I could be with Him in heaven forever. I knew that if I didn't wake up from surgery, that the first face I would see would be Jesus, and that truly death would bring life. I knew Who held my life in His hands, and I knew Who held my victory. I knew that to live was Christ and to die would be gain. I knew that if the worst happened, it would be the best. I knew that no matter what, my Savior Who spoke this world into being and breathed life into my lungs and created my inmost being and knit me together in my mother's womb- that very Savior and God had written every day ordained for me before one of them began to be, and He knew my end from my beginning. His plan and purpose for my life would prevail. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These days, when I share my story with people all over the country, I tell everyone that there is nothing more important than <i>to know Jesus</i>. Dear friend, reading this blog today, <i>do you know Him? </i>Do you have that <i>blessed assurance</i> of your salvation? Do you believe with all of your being that <i>He is alive</i> and <i>He has given you life?</i> Are you confident that <i>you will be with</i> <i>Jesus in Heaven forever? </i>Please don't wait a single day. He is offering you life, and life to the full. </span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son...I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:11,13)</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5)</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to end by sharing the sweet story of Fanny and her good friend Phoebe Palmer Knapp. In 1873 both women lived in New York City. Fanny lived in the </span>slums<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of Manhattan, working in rescue missions and often giving what little money she had away. Meanwhile, Phoebe lived in a mansion in Brooklyn, married to Joseph Knapp, the president of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Phoebe was an avid and extravagant entertainer, and Fanny was often a guest in her home. Their friendship formed through attending the same church, the John Street Methodist Episcopal Church. One day Phoebe brought a tune she wrote to Fanny, playing it for her in her opulent music room. Fanny knelt in prayer while listening and then after hearing the tune twice, immediately exclaimed in her typical joyful fashion, "Why, that says, 'Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!'" With that, the new hymn came to life as Fanny finished writing the words. Among many other Crosby hymns, "Blessed Assurance," became widely popular throughout the country and around the world during the Moody/Sankey revival meetings of the 1800s. I don't see this hymns </span>popularity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> fading anytime soon, over 200 years later, as we treasure the hope it holds still today. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Phoebe P. Knapp & Fanny J. Crosby</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Heir of salvation, purchase of God,</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Born of His Spirit, washed in his blood.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Perfect submission, perfect delight,</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Angels descending, bring from above</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Perfect submission, all is at rest,</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I in my Savior am happy and blest,</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Watching and waiting, looking above,</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>This is my story, this is my song,</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Praising my Savior all the day long!</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>This is my story, this is my song,</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Praising my Savior all the day long!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Sources:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/fanny-crosby.html">https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/fanny-crosby.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Morgan, Robert J. <i>Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories. </i>Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2003.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Peterson, RAndy. <i>Be Still My Soul: The Inspiring Stories behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns. </i>Carol Stream: Tyndall House, 2014. </span>Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-11327483681379699742018-09-21T07:29:00.002-07:002018-10-02T21:50:20.773-07:00Love Divine, All Loves Excelling<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">because we are convinced</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">that one died for all,</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">and therefore all died.</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">And he died for all,</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">that those who live should</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">no longer live for themselves</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">but for him who died for them</span></b></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">and was raised again.”</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">(2 Corinthians 5:14-15)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Charles Wesley (1707-1788) is best known for writing hymns. But this was no ordinary hymn writer—some sources account that the man wrote just under 9,000 hymns in his lifetime! Others say no less than 6,500. Many go so far to say he was the greatest hymn writer of all time, and it is hard to argue with that statement based on sheer volume of his poetic text (not to mention, the theological depth of his hymns). Youngest of 18 children, he is also well known because of his brother, John Wesley, the preacher who founded the Methodist movement in Christianity. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with—Kingdom movers with zeal for Christ and for sharing the gospel of grace. Charles’s hymns were catalysts for the movement, going hand-in-hand with John’s sermons and pamphlets. A scholar indeed, Charles was an Oxford man and had a brilliant mind, but he coupled that mind with his devotion to Christianity, and formed the “Holy Club” there at Oxford.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The history behind this brotherly evangelistic duo is surprising, though. An interesting turn of events led Charles and John to re-think their faith, when they were missionaries in Georgia in 1735, facing persecution…The Moravians who were traveling with them by ship pointed them to a deeper intimacy with Christ, a joy and hope like they had never known, and an emphasis on worship through hymn singing. Charles soon met Christ in a whole new personal way. His “religious” life that he knew before was not enough. He came to discover that duty and discipline could not earn his salvation. He had been singularly focused on sharing the gospel, yet he hadn’t actually grasped the gospel himself! He was devoted, but he lacked relationship with Jesus; he lacked simple faith. He surrendered to Christ anew and began his true journey with Jesus in 1738, three years after he had gone to Georgia. Psalm 40:3 launched his new ministry, “He hath put a new song in my mouth; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord.” That was the spark that led aflame this man’s heart for worship through song. The vast evangelical revival of the 1700s was marked by hymns, which communicated beautifully authentic joy found in Christ as well as deep Scriptural truths. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I personally fell in love with Charles’s hymn, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” a few years ago while reading A. W. Tozer’s book <i>Experiencing the Presence of God: Teachings from the Book of Hebrews </i>(which I highly recommend and need to re-read myself!). I’ve always loved many other Wesley hymns (“And Can it Be,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing,” to mention a few of his best known…) I was not as familiar with “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and to be honest, I couldn’t remember the typical tune that was paired with that one when I read the lyrics in Tozer’s book a the end of chapter 2, which was a reflective teaching on Hebrews 2. The words just caught my attention and I couldn’t stop reading them and pondering the beauty of them. I folded the bottom corner of the page and told myself I needed to come back and write a melody to go with those glorious verses…and I eventually did just that! The very first time I sang this song in public was on Sunday, February 1, 2015. It was during a typical Sunday morning worship service at my home church in Delaware, but this was no ordinary Sunday…it was 18 days before my brain surgery, to be exact. I had been waiting almost 8 months for surgery to remove a life-threatening brain tumor, and I knew my miracle was around the corner, only two-and-a-half weeks away. That Love Divine was about to carry me through like never before. I had to trust in Jesus like never before, putting all my hope and confidence in Him and His eternal plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What is holding you down, today, my friend? A burden of fear? A weight of sin? A past of pain? Lift your eyes, look to the Heavens, and let His Love, which excels all else—love which is perfect, divine, and holy—be that which carries you on and creates in you a new hope. Allow Him to change your heart from glory into glory. Allow Jesus to shower you with compassion and love like you’ve never known before. Allow the joy of Heaven to take you captive. Allow His mercies to crown you with loving-kindness. Allow the King of Glory to create in you a new heart. Allow Christ to work His salvation in you and give you the gift of grace. Allow the Lord to lead you into wonder, love, and praise, so deep that you will be completely lost in His presence and totally in awe of His holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Love divine, all loves excelling<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Joy of heaven, to earth come down<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fix in us Thy humble dwelling;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>All Thy faithful mercies crown.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jesus, Thou art all compassion,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pure, unbounded love Thou art;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Visit us with Thy salvation,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Enter every trembling heart.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Breathe, oh, breathe Thy Holy Spirit<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Into every troubled breast;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let us all Thy grace inherit;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let us find Thy promised rest;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Take away the love of sinning;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Take our load of guilt away;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>End the work of Thy beginning;</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bring us to eternal day.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Love come down,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Love come down,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>And set this heart on fire.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Glory rise,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Glory rise,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>All eyes are fixed on Christ.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Carry on Thy new creation;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pure and holy may we be;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let us see our whole salvation<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Perfectly secured by Thee;<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Change from glory into glory,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Till in heaven we take our place,<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Till we cast our crowns before Thee<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lost in wonder, love, and praise.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lost in wonder, love, and praise!</b><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">S</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">ources:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Severence, Diane. “Charles Wesley.” <a href="https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/charles-wesley-11630230.html">https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/charles-wesley-11630230.html<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">“Charles Wesley: Greatest Hymn Writer of All Time.” <a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/charles-wesley.html">https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/poets/charles-wesley.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://hymnary.org/person/Wesley_Charles">https://hymnary.org/person/Wesley_Charles</a></span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-29081276278128224232018-09-04T12:42:00.002-07:002018-09-04T13:55:52.217-07:00BRAND NEW CD!<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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Dear Friends,<br />
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It is with great joy that I await the release of my newest album, <i><b><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWC73CN7Y8YKY">Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns</a></b></i>. When I recorded this album, I recorded it for you. I may not know your story, but God knows your story. These hymns, dating back hundreds, even thousands of years (yes, one that is on the album dates back to the 4th century A.D.!), tell God's story so very well. They tell the good news that we are not alone, we are not forgotten, we have a Rescuer, a Redeemer, and a Lover of our souls Who is holy and good beyond measure. These hymns weave together Truth, Beauty, and Mystery. They are anchored in the promises of Scripture and the stories of saints who have gone before...saints who were sinners just like you and me, who found their one and only hope in the Savior, Jesus Christ.<br />
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What a great honor it has been to create arrangements of these beloved texts and tunes, with the goal of preserving their message and timeless wonder. I pray that the 14 tracks on this album will inspire prayer, kindle worship, and remind your soul of the true peace that passes understanding. I pray that you find courage to tell your story, strength to sing your song, and grace to look to Jesus in all things. May we find ourselves continually in awe of the Holy Triune God we worship, giving glory to His Name evermore.<br />
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Thank you beyond words for your prayers and support for this album. I hope that this special pre-release is an opportunity for you to give this hymns CD away to someone who needs a reminder of hope. It's also a way that I want to show my gratitude to you, my friend and listener!<br />
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Lastly, keep those stories coming in about your favorite hymns and why they mean so much to you! I realize there are hundreds of hymns out there that are treasured and so meaningful to many of you, but I hope you find one or two of your favorites on <i><b><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZWC73CN7Y8YKY">Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns</a></b></i>!<br />
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In Hope,<br />
Caitlin Jane<br />
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-40741435460546593382018-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:002018-09-04T10:56:40.820-07:00HALLELUJAH<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
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Dear Friends,<br />
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This album truly began four years ago with a few hymns that held my heart together during a season of great trial and unknown. When I was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor, a friend sent me "Be Still My Soul." That hymn calmed my spirit with such hope and assurance. After recovering from brain surgery, the first song I sang in church was "Holy, Holy, Holy." That same summer, when my fiancé was going through long days of chemotherapy, his nieces sweetly sang for us "He Leadeth Me." Less than a week after Jamie finished his cancer treatment we said our marriage vows. Our wedding hymn was "Be Thou My Vision." When our miracle baby was born 15 months later, we started singing to Joey at bedtime, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," which has become our family lullaby- the anthem of our hearts every night.<br />
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Five months ago, in March, we set out on a journey to record these hymns along with other favorites that hold so much meaning, promise, and enduring truth. From the very beginning of recording, this album was different. It has been so raw, authentic, and centered on worship. We have tried to focus on simplicity and the inherent beauty of these beloved songs, without altering the text or tunes too much. It has been such a privilege to carry on the legacy of these hymns through this project. It has also been an honor to add my own style and compose arrangements to these exquisite pieces of music.<br />
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In searching for a title for this album, it became quite clear to me early on that it must be all about worship- all about magnifying and lifting high the name of Jesus. Last Christmas, our baby Joey began saying "Hallelujah." He absolutely loves to worship, and it is not uncommon to see him lifting his hands in praise whenever he is around music. He reminds me daily that we are made to worship. So that was it! Hallelujahwould be the title of this CD. It captures the essence of this album's journey and purpose. It simply speaks a word of praise to our Heavenly Father, Savior, and Lord.<br />
<br />
We want you all to be able to get a copy as soon as it is released, so we decided to do this special pre-order. That way you literally will get it immediately when it is released (possibly even before the official release date)! I wanted this pre-order to be something special, though, so we are offering 2 CDs for the price of 1...If you order Hallelujah: A Collection of Hymns, you will receive a second copy for free so you can give it away to a friend! Because of your amazing support for my music and mission, I want to thank you with this gift for you to share with someone who might need encouragement or a reminder of hope.<br />
<br />
I wouldn't have made this album if it weren't for you- my dear friends and listeners. I recorded these songs with the hope that many souls will be drawn into deep moments of worship through both listening and singing along with voice and heart. As many of you know, it is a leap of faith to embark on a project like this as an independent artist- it takes a huge monetary investment as well as countless hours to complete. We took that step of faith in belief that God could use this album to impact lives with gospel truth and eternal hope. We are on the home stretch of the project now. I am done in the recording studio, and my producer/engineer is putting the finishing touches on the mixing and mastering before it is sent to production. We are on target for a fall release, and it's hard to believe that it will be completed so soon! Thank you again for all your prayers on this journey, and for supporting this album through this pre-release order!<br />
<br />
With Deep Joy,<br />
Caitlin Jane<br />
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-84266896778209261832018-07-05T17:01:00.001-07:002018-07-26T19:19:46.286-07:00Hymns Album - Recording Update<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChristyHassellPhotography/" target="_blank">photo credit: Christy Hassell</a></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello Friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to update you on how the hymns album recording is going! It has been such a beautiful creative process, and I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence in the studio. I feel that when I sing these Hymns, it's as if I am standing on Holy Ground. The stories of faith that have gone before, the great men and women who have authored the text and tunes of these songs...direct our hearts to the power, love, and grace of Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I reflect on Hebrews 12:1-2:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I pray that these beloved hymns from centuries past and even ancient times, would direct our hearts to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. I pray that when you hear this album, you will be reminded to fix your eyes on the Savior, and that your heart would be flooded with desire to worship Him. I pray that this album would inspire prayer in all of us and encourage an authentic seeking after the Lord.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I record these songs, I feel my lungs crying out in praise to the God who not only has rescued my life physically, but has transformed my heart spiritually and given me eternal hope. I pour out worship to the One and Only True, Living God, who is good beyond measure. I remember those who have gone before us in faith- missionaries, saints, martyrs, hymn writers, pastors, and everyday believers...each one flawed as a sinner, but saved by the reckless love and perfect grace of Christ.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I absolutely cannot wait to release this album and share it with you. I'm excited to announce all the hymns that will be on it and the special album title we chose. Stay posted on facebook as I share a video each day that we're in the studio, and I've also shared a fun video tour of Morningstar Studios! Soon there will be an exciting pre-order opportunity for the album!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings & Joy,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Caitlin Jane</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-60692768232714770452018-05-13T11:13:00.002-07:002018-05-13T11:20:52.526-07:00Mother's Day- Blessings Abundant!<div style="color: #454545; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">As we worshipped this morning at church, my heart cried out in praise, and tears welled in my eyes. All morning long, even as I was getting ready for our day, I was thinking of the blessings of Mother’s Day, and thanking God. I reminisced and thought back to my precious Grannie Sylvia and beloved Grandmom Florence. Those two strong and grace-filled women had a beautiful impact on my life and left a legacy I will forever hold close in my heart. I can still taste Grannie's special oatmeal she would make for me on summer mornings in Maine, and of course I can still taste Grandmom's delicious Polish bread that I would devour at Christmastime, a family recipe I still have yet to master! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: inherit;">I thought this morning about how 31 years ago this week, I entered into this adventurous world. My amazing mom carried me for 9 months, delivered me, and held me so close. She prayed over my life blessings of which I know I am living out this very day. She prayed in the hospital that I would be a servant for God, that I would know and love Him. On a side note, I thank God that my mom chose life. Not that she ever personally wrestled with that issue, but since 1973 in our country, so many moms who are past a certain age in child-bearing years get nervous to carry a child to full term due to risks. She was bold and brave and didn't even want doctors to do extra pre-natal tests on me- she told them she would choose life no matter what. Now, as I turn the corner to 31 years this week, I am more grateful for life than ever...After going through everything that Jamie and I have gone through, I realize that every day is a bonus, every day is a gift, every day is a chance to live fully, live passionately, love others, and glorify God! As I worshipped this morning, and the tears welled in my eyes, I remembered and called to mind the many miracles God has done in the past few years to bring us to where we are today. There is no way I should be here, by medical standards. The surgery I had was "impossible" by all accounts, but we know with our God, ALL things are possible. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I also thought back to 3 yeas ago today...the day that my awesome man chose me to be his forever love, and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him as his wife. I still get butterflies when I remember him kneeling and pulling out the heirloom diamond that was my Grannie’s, set in a design Jamie had the jeweler create only for me. He stole my heart, and my heart is his forever. I still can’t believe he chose me!!! During the time of our engagement, we were pounded by doctors telling us that we needed to be prepared for the reality that we would likely never have biological kids, and there was no chance for children any time soon. But we kept pressing into God’s heart and into each other, knowing that our Lord is so much bigger than the medical trials we faced, than any diagnosis or prognosis, than the wisdom of the world. We believed that His plan was perfect, however that looked like for our family. We knew that children are a gift from the Lord and a heritage from Him alone, and that biology is not what defines a child being a part of a family, but that it is rather love which defines family and accepts children into the home...We had no idea what God had planned, but we had to turn to him in reckless trust and our faith stepped into greater realms of reality.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think back to our wedding day, just four months after Jamie proposed, and how blessed I am to have married into a family of faith, love, laughter, acceptance, and adventure. Not only do I have the world’s best mom, but now I have the world’s best mother-in-law! Truly, that is how I feel. I know people say nice things on holidays, Mother's Day especially, just to sound nice, but I am forever grateful for the two moms in my life and in Jamie's life. These women love God, have such servants' hearts, and are always putting their families before themselves. Their devotion to live lives centered on truth, beauty, excellence, and generosity is such a testimony to me, and a legacy I want to carry. Joey adores his Mimi and his Memaw, and their love for him is so precious and pure. (I also got to adopt the most radiant Grandma Mary Lou when I married Jamie, and our time with her always leaves me spilling over with smiles. She is a gem, and I am so glad we live near her so we can enjoy her life and the blessing she is in this world!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And now for the most incredible gift...two years ago I had recently received news of the most marvelous miracle in our lives, our little baby. I couldn't believe that I was carrying a child inside and the sound of his heartbeat made my world come alive. It was extraordinary. The most amazing surprise gift from my Heavenly Father. From the moment I found out about our little one, I was caught up in new depths of love. My soul leapt with joy and song and praise and wonder. My little Joey Bear is the greatest treasure. When he runs into a room, locks eyes with mine, leaps into my arms, and yells "Mommé!"(I'm not exactly sure how to write the pronunciation of the name he calls me), I just am filled with such happiness that my heart cannot contain it. I've been blessed with exceptional grandmothers and extraordinary mothers, but now I get to cherish the gift that it is to be a mother myself. To be able to give a million kisses and snuggles every day, to read books and make animal sounds and play ball and talk to my baby boy...it's those little things that make life the abundant gift that it is and that point me to the love of God in ordinary moments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am overwhelmed and in awe of God's good gifts, there is no other way to describe it. I know I don't deserve it, and I know the gifts of this world don't last forever, but I do know that they are a picture of the glory to come, and that relationships are what mean the most in life. God created us for relationship and for family. He adopted us into His beloved, royal family and made a way through the cross so that we can forever be alive with Him and have hope for true and lasting relationship with Him and with the ones we love forever. Thank you, Jesus! </span></span></div>
Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-87958202241216293732018-02-16T08:54:00.004-08:002018-02-16T08:59:17.404-08:00In Spirit and in Truth<div style="text-align: left;">
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<b>Worship.</b> What is true worship? It is both a noun- a state of being, as well as a verb- an action. It comes from acknowledging the worth of someone or something, and is rooted int the Old English word "weorthscipe". Synonyms are as follows: reverence, veneration, adoration, glorification, glory, exaltation, prayer, praise, devotion, admiration, adulation, idolization, revere, exalt, extol, glorify. </div>
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Our handy tool, Dictionary.com, tell us that worship is basically the following four things:</div>
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1. The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity</div>
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2. The acts or rites that make up a formal expression of reverence for a deity</div>
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3. Adoration or devotion comparable to religious homage, shown toward a person or principle</div>
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4. Honor given to someone in recognition of their merit<br />
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These are all good definitions, but do they get to the heart of worship? The idea of worship has been on my heart and mind a lot lately. Not only because of my passion for worshipping through song, but because of three incredibly powerful experiences recently that made me take pause and ask myself, "What is true worship?" Some of you may have read snippets of these experiences in the Advent Journey blog, but I want to share them here, because they have had a profound effect on my spirit lately, and I never want to forget them. Right around Christmastime is when they happened, and I want these experiences to carry my heart through this entire year, especially as I embark on recording a new album of worship, with a collection of favorite old hymns.<br />
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I'll call the three experiences the following: Mary, Joey, The Chapel. I don't remember the chronological order in which they occurred, in my mind they seamlessly flow together as an exquisite picture of true worship.<br />
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<b>Mary. </b> Weathered and worn, yet full of life. Wrinkled and white, yet overflowing with joy. A twinkle in her eye that no wrinkle can wipe away. A smile so bright, even if the color has faded and a tooth here or there is missing. Standing tall to the heavens, even as she is hunched over and shrunken. Mary is a soul so sweet, so shining that I'll never forget her. Part of my music ministry lately has been to visit local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care places to do special music for the residents. I have the opportunity to bring Joey along so he can get to know these precious elderly folks and build friendships with them. I love singing the old hymns, because many of them recognize the tunes, and even if their memory is fading, it will kindle a fire and they will burst into smiles and song.<br />
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I adore all the residents, but dear Mary stands out as a soul with such grace, joy, and faith. From the first day we met, I caught a glimpse of that sweet soul...Every time I sing the hymns, she unabashedly sings along with passion and vigor, but it is her eyes, her movements that catch my attention. She lifts her hands in glory. She closes her eyes and it is as if in that moment she sees the splendor of Heaven, as the look on her face is so serene, yet so captivated. She moves her arms and makes the sign of the cross, she waves her fingers in the air and it is like angels are descending from above and filling the room with a choir so magnificent. She is caught up in the moment and her heart is filled with spirit and truth. The joy as she worships is astounding. That is the kind of joy I want to have whether I sing in the pew or I sing on stage. That is the joy I want to have when I sing around the house, doing laundry and doing dishes. She is raw, honest, unashamed, delighted, radiant, soaked in the abundance of the Spirit, grateful for the gift of Jesus. When I see Mary close her eyes and lift her hands and hum a tune, I see a picture of complete worship in spirit and in truth.<br />
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<b><i>"...Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His Name;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>make known among the nations what He has done.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Sing to Him, sing praise to Him;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>tell of all His wonderful acts.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Glory in His Holy Name.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Look to the LORD and His strength;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>seek His face always...</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Splendor and majesty are before Him;</i></b></div>
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<b><i>strength and joy are in His dwelling place....</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."</i></b></div>
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<b>(I Chronicles 16)</b></div>
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<b>Joey.</b> When our baby boy first started saying words, it was of course "Mama" and "Dada". We loved it. That's all he said for quite some time...a few other words smattered here and there. Then Christmastime came and one Sunday morning, Jamie snuggled him and said "Today we have Church! Hallelujah! Praise Jesus!" And that was all it took- Joey burst out in "Ahhh- yay -loooo- yahhh!" We couldn't believe our ears! He continued saying it for days and when the 24/7 Christmas carols were playing in our home, he would sit by the iPod speakers and when a song came on with his magical word, he would burst out in all triumphant glee, "Hallelujah!" He would sing it with passion, zeal, giddy joy, and a bit of gravitas too, for it seemed he knew this was a special word. He began to say "Praise G" for "Praise Jesus."<br />
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Christmas came and went, and then croup came. He caught those few wintertime colds that babies can't help but catch, and the one cold kept him up all night, coughing, hacking, breathing so heavily. He sounded like a winter bear, it was so deep and loud. He was in our bed one night, because I was keeping an eye on his breathing, and he woke suddenly, sat up, coughed his awful croupy cough, and then said in his raspy, deep voice "Hallelujah. Praise G. Hallelujah. Praise G!" He was so matter-of-fact about it. In the midst of his terrible state, he wasn't crying, he wasn't whining. He was quite uncomfortable and so sick, but he chose to focus on praise. Okay, okay, I know many of you reading this are thinking, "Yeah, right, a 12 month old <i>choosing</i> to praise? Are you out of your mind?" I'm not. Maybe my little boy didn't know the full extent of the power of that moment, for truly his innocence and naivety kept him from that, but the weight of glory in that moment of praise is something I will never forget.<br />
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I believe God has wired our hearts to praise. He knits a baby's very being together in his mother's womb, and he designs their hearts to praise. Jesus Himself said that unless we become like the little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It is natural for children to praise. It is natural for children to want to pray. It is natural for children to believe. As adults we think we are so advanced, so sophisticated, so wise, so strong, so learned...but in the Kingdom of Heaven, the reality is that things are upside down to what we understand or expect. It is a Kingdom of paradoxes, and in Jesus' Kingdom, it is the little ones who are inclined to have faith and inclined to worship. Maybe my little Joey didn't realize just what he was doing in that moment, but I believe God has created this baby boy to worship, and he did just that in his moment of illness and weakness and fear- he sat up with all his strength and began to speak praises from his little mouth. And in that moment, the very powers of darkness were shaken by the majesty and glory of our Lord receiving such beautiful praise. I will never forget that night...may it be a constant reminder to me to choose to praise, even in the dark, even in times of illness or pain or fear, even in times of brokenness and weakness, even when I want to cry and whine...it is in those times when praise is the most powerful, the most beautiful, the most thunderous and glorious and exquisite to the ears of my Lord. Praise brings healing, and praise brings joy. <br />
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<i><b>"And they said to Him, 'Do you hear what these are saying?'</b></i></div>
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<i><b>And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read,</b></i></div>
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<i><b>'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies</b></i></div>
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<i><b>you have prepared praise'?</b></i></div>
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<b>(Matthew 21:16)</b></div>
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<b>The Chapel.</b> Our church is quite large, seating 2,000 in the main sanctuary auditorium. You can imagine the beautiful worship on Sunday mornings with nearly 2,000 voices lifted up together! But that is not what I want to write about here. There is a tiny chapel down the hall, where the service is televised each Sunday morning, as well. Because our little Joey kept catching colds in December, we didn't want to put him in nursery and get the other babies sick, so we kept him with us, and worshipped in the little chapel. There is a special needs ministry at our church, which is amazing. It consists of mostly young people, and there are wonderful volunteers who lead the ministry. Before they have their Sunday School hour, they always come into the chapel for the worship time. Well, that one Sunday, their presence spoke to my soul in a deeply powerful way. I witnessed and experienced worship in a way so unique and beautiful, unlike any other time I can remember.<br />
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While we sang Christmas Carols, I was joyfully singing out with my lungs that morning. I felt that familiar Christmas cheer in my heart. But then I paused. The music in the chapel was overwhelmingly stunning and caught me by surprise. The atmosphere was so free, so full of life and light. It was a sound of worship like I had never heard before. Probably my all-time favorite Christmas carol is "O Holy Night," and that is the song we were all singing. Let me tell you, the group of beautiful teens and young adults with special needs and disabilities sang out with the greatest joy, greatest triumph, enthusiasm, abandon, and heart that I have ever heard. The pitch was a bit off, the timing not on cue, and even some of the words missing here and there, but that version of "O Holy Night" made my eyes well up with tears and my heart beat with a raw and authentic worship that brought me back to a place of Spirit and Truth. It seems that somehow as I've "grown up," the essence of true worship has slipped away, because I get so distracted by life, by even the music, and by the worries of this world. I want to live with such raw abandon, such zeal, as that precious group in the chapel. I want my life to be a continual song lifted up, not perfect by any means, but passionate.<br />
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<b><i>"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."</i></b></div>
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<b>(John 4:23-24)</b></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-54927594060909380092017-12-25T20:42:00.002-08:002017-12-25T20:42:49.279-08:00Advent Journey: Day 25, Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
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Merry Christmas! It's hard to believe we have made it to the 25th day of our Advent Journey and have come to an end as we celebrate the Birth of our Lord Jesus! It has been an incredible journey with you, and I am so glad we have shared these days of reflection and soul-seeking and truth-finding in God's Word together. I am glad that we have remembered the coming of Christ to Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Today was Christmas Day, and after watching<i> It's a Wonderful Life</i> I am writing my final blog for the season. I have to be honest, it was an unconventional, unexpected type of Christmas Day for our little family. Christmas Eve was wonderful, but today our travel plans got changed due to weather and it wasn't the picture-perfect Christmas for which I had <i>hoped. </i>I was a little disappointed. <i> Hope differed makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life</i>. (Proverbs 13:12) We all have hopes around Christmastime. We hope that we might receive that special present...we hope we can pay our bills and finish the year well...we hope that our kids don't catch the winter bug going around...we hope that our holiday baking and cooking turned out okay...we hope that time off from work won't create too much stress in the New Year...we hope that we can really stick to those resolutions in 2018 that we're already thinking about...we hope that we can get along with family at all the holiday parties...we hope that it will be a white Christmas...<br />
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But sometimes our hopes are deferred. Because that is life. Just like George Bailey in <i>It's a Wonderful Life, </i> we realize that our days aren't perfect and sometimes even Christmas is far from perfect. Maybe this Christmas you feel alone. Maybe you are waiting for that prodigal child to return or for your sister to call or for your spouse to forgive you. Maybe, like our family experienced, the winter weather has made a change in plans and your vacation time is going to be spent a little differently than you had planned. Maybe you are mourning the loss of a loved one who passed away this past year, or even years ago, but Christmas just seems to be the most difficult and painful time of the year for you. Maybe you had to work on Christmas and couldn't even take off to be with family. Maybe you had a beautiful Christmas, but there is still something more, something deeper that you are longing for, that seems to be missing. <i>Hope deferred.</i><br />
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Christmas is all about heart- about the love of Christ come to earth to live and die for us and give us eternal life. But in the midst of real-life (unlike the Hallmark holiday movies), sometimes we are heart-sick, even at Christmastime. And for that type of illness, there is only one remedy, Proverbs' wisdom tells us. <i>Desire fulfilled.</i> God created us with such deep longings and desires. We are hard-wired to desire. We are knit together in a way that creates us with very specific desires and <i>hopes. </i>But there is one unique and absolute longing that is in every human soul which must be met for Christmas Hope to be fulfilled. C.S. Lewis writes of this soul-longing:<br />
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<i>If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy,</i></div>
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<i>the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.</i></div>
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We may experience hopes deferred- both in the minuscule and monumental experiences of life. But the only possible way for us to ever experience true <i>desire fulfilled,</i> which leads to the <i>Tree of Life </i>is to place our Hope in Jesus, the Baby born in Bethlehem, the Savior of the World.<br />
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One of my favorite passages in Scripture is Psalm 43. Verse 5 says:<br />
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<i>Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.</i><br />
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I love how personal this Psalm gets. I love how it asks that deep, penetrating question, calling oneself out from hope deferred and placing one's hope in GOD ALONE. And that hope turns to praise and worship!<br />
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The Apostle Paul gets very personal with the human experience and struggle as well, when he writes his profound letter to the church in Rome:<br />
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<i>For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice but ty the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God...Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. </i><i style="font-weight: bold;">For in this hope we were saved. </i><i>But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.</i><br />
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(Romans 8:20-25)</div>
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Just seven chapters later, He quotes from the prophet Isaiah, and He very clearly points to Jesus Christ as our one and only, forever hope.</div>
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<i>And again, Isaiah says,</i></div>
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<i>"The Root of Jesse will spring up,</i></div>
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<i>One who will arise to rule over the nations;</i></div>
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<i><b>in Him the Gentiles will hope.</b>"</i></div>
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<i><b>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him</b>,</i></div>
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<i> so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."</i></div>
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(Romans 15:12-13)</div>
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There it is- the Christmas message packaged in just two plain verses. The God of hope is the only One who can fill us with <i>all joy</i> and <i>all peace</i> as we trust in HIM this Christmas and always. Jesus is the Root of Jesse, He is the King Forever who will rule the nations and spring up to offer both Jew and Gentile Hope. To offer YOU and ME hope! During Advent, we have reflected on the coming of Christ to Bethlehem when He was born in a manger long ago...but now we anticipate the arrival of his Second Coming, when He will rule forevermore and joy and peace will be ushered in with all perfection. I cannot wait for the day when every hope deferred is crushed by the Tree of Life, who fulfills the longing of our souls and gives us life eternal, which we so desire.</div>
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I wish you a very Merry Christmas with hope rooted in the Root of Jesse! I pray that these 25 days of journeying through Advent with simple words and Biblical treasures has led your heart and mine straight to the heart of Christ and reminded all of us what true Christmas HOPE is all about.</div>
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<br />Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-32835106004376462702017-12-25T09:29:00.000-08:002017-12-25T09:47:58.042-08:00Advent Journey: Day 24, Cookie<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cookie</span><br />
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I decided yesterday to not open my laptop to do my blog, so that I could focus on Christ and on family, as our tradition is to do our Christmas celebration on Christmas Eve. So thank you for bearing with me as I catch up today! Before we dive into the word for yesterday's Advent Journey, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Let us rejoice in Christ our Savior and be filled with joy today!<br />
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So "Cookie" was the word for Day 24. Hah! This one is the most un-spiritual, lighthearted words on the list...and I'm not sure what got into my head when I wrote that word out for our Advent Journey...what did I imagine blogging about? But it is a fun word and I'm glad it's on our list to focus on, because Christmas should be filled with cheer...and feasting...and cookies!</div>
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So I asked my Dad yesterday, while he was cooking his homemade sauerbraten and spaetzles and baking my Grandmom's Polish Bread recipe with Jamie, "What in the world do I write about with the word cookie?" And thankfully, my Dad came through and sparked some ideas...!</div>
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Don't we all love cookies at Christmas? I have special memories of baking cookies with my parents when I was younger, and now Jamie and I have a lot of fun baking together. I remember when I was very young, leaving cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots for his reindeer on Christmas Eve. It was magical. I remember the special Santa mugs and Christmas plates that we had for our treats for Santa. Children around the world wait for their gifts from Santa, and in turn, leave their own gifts out for Santa. </div>
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In light of the gifts we give to Santa, let's search our hearts and ask ourselves what gifts we are going to bring to Jesus this year. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What is on your heart to give to the Lord? What would you like to present to him, not just at Christmas, but in the coming year? <br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">One of the gifts I want to intentionally bring to Jesus this coming year is </span><i style="text-align: left;">joy</i><span style="text-align: left;">. Because He is the giver of true joy, I want to live in that joy daily. It has to be a choice, and sometimes even a sacrifice, but it will be a gift well worth receiving and giving. What about you? Is there something you know you could give to Jesus this year?</span></div>
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The Lord tells His people in Hosea 6:6 (New Living Translation):</div>
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<i>I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.</i></div>
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<i>I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.</i></div>
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More than gifts of offerings and sacrifices, more than even our tithes and our duties and good works, God truly desires our hearts. He desires us to know Him intimately and personally, to have relationship with Him. While it is good to go to church, to read our Bibles, to do kind things for others...if there is no <i>heart</i> behind it, if there is no <i>relationship </i>behind it, if there is no <i>love for Christ </i>behind it...it is meaningless. </div>
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So as we embark on the new year, may 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 12 be our pledge. May we bring the gifts to Jesus this year that He desires, above all- love. May we know Him fully and invite Him into our hearts to know us in the most remarkable, transformative way. May He be our King, and may we, with the wise men, bow down and worship Him. </div>
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<i><span class="text 1Cor-13-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-2" id="en-ESV-28651" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">And if I have <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28651A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28651A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28651B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28651B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span class="text 1Cor-13-3" id="en-ESV-28652" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">If I give away all I have, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28652D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28652D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-ESV-28653" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Love is patient and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>kind; love <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not envy or boast; it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28653H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28653H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>is not arrogant </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-ESV-28654" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">or rude. It <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28654I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28654I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not insist on its own way; it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28654J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28654J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>is not irritable or resentful; </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-ESV-28655" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">it <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28655K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28655L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28655L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>rejoices with the truth. </span><span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-ESV-28656" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28656N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28656N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>endures all things...For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.</span></i></div>
Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-85036375245003770402017-12-23T19:06:00.001-08:002017-12-23T19:15:07.703-08:00Advent Journey: Day 23, Miracle<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Miracle</span></div>
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I've always believed that miracles could happen, but I just didn't realize or expect that I would personally experience a miracle, or better yet, more miracles than I can count in just a few years...Today's Advent Journey word is so close to my heart, because of the miracles I have witnessed and lived out recently. Every day, Jamie and I tell Joey he is a miracle, because he truly is our miracle baby. When our little guy opened the advent box this morning, with his usual excitement and anticipation, we once again looked at him and reminded him that his life is a miracle! Jamie and I are both so grateful to be alive and have this "bonus time" here on earth, as illness threatened both our lives two and three years ago...the Lord not only saved our lives and gave us this amazing gift of marriage, but our Great God defied the medical experts and surprised us with a baby we weren't supposed to ever be able to have. Nothing is too difficult or impossible with God, nothing! So often I forget and I doubt and I fear and I worry. So often I don't believe. So often I rely on earthly strength and worldly wisdom, forgetting that God's WORD is truer than true, and His promises are yes and amen in Christ Jesus!<br />
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While we don't always understand what God is up to, and we don't always get answers in the time or fashion that we would like, God is making miracles every day, if only our eyes and ears and hands and hearts would be open to our incredible, powerful God! While God has not miraculously healed my vision, I have found that in the time being, the greater miracle is that when people see the tape on my glasses, they often ask what it's for (it's fun to watch strangers look at me curiously and try to figure it out!). When they inquire, then I have the opportunity to share my story and share of all the countless miracles God has done in my life- including the miraculous healing of my hearing after being completely deaf in my left ear. When I share about these other miracles on my journey, I can point to Jesus and His ultimate saving power- the Savior of our souls who gives life eternal. (I'm not always as good at verbally expressing my heart- writing comes more naturally to me when I want to share things of the soul and of faith, but I eagerly ask God for those opportunities and for Him to give me the words to share...I don't want to pass up those moments!)<br />
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I don't have the time or space to write here every miracle that has occurred in my life since 2014 and even in the few years leading up to my diagnosis and Jamie's (that's why I am writing my book, to testify to God's greatness and glory), but I just want to declare today that our God is faithful, and that if you are waiting for a Christmas miracle, I am praying for you, my friend, that God will come through for you in ways that you never even imagined or expected! God is with us, God is for us, and God is glorious! One thing we have to remember is to not put our faith in that which we hope or ask for, but rather place our faith in the P<i>erson of Jesus Christ</i>. We must not place our faith in the answer we wait for, but in the One who will answer us according to His perfect and good plan.<br />
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I'll always remember what I wrote on my bathroom mirror in the summer of 2014 when I found out I had a brain tumor. My dear friend and prayer warrior, John, who is an elderly man that is so passionate in his faith and prayers, gave me a picture of a rainbow to remind me that God makes miracles. I stuck that picture of the rainbow to my mirror and then wrote under it, emphatically "GOD MAKES MIRACLES EVERY DAY!" I needed to remind myself of this and to wake up every morning with the expectant heart for a miracle. If we live with the expectation and belief in what God is doing, there is incredible joy and peace. Even if our circumstances look grim and trials seem to flood our lives and overwhelm us, there is a <i>greater reality-</i> the reality of the realm of the miraculous and the eternal. Jesus Christ came to usher in life, hope, victory, and peace. He is our miracle this Christmas and forevermore! Even though I have experienced tangible, unbelievable miracles in my own life, on ordinary days or difficult days, I need to remind myself of this truth and to challenge myself to walk in accordance with HIS WORD and not the worries of my world. I want to leave three scripture passages today for us to dwell on- may they saturate our souls and allow us to embrace the miracles God has for us this Christmas and in the New Year!<br />
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<i><span class="text Mark-9-23" id="en-NKJV-24562" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus said to him, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“If you can believe,</span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> all things <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">are</span> possible to him who believes.”</span></span><span class="text Mark-9-24" id="en-NKJV-24563" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, <b>“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”</b> </span>When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!”</span></i></div>
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<span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Mark 9:23-25)</span></div>
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<i><span class="text Luke-1-34" id="en-ESV-24919" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-35" id="en-ESV-24920" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">And the angel answered her, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24920BN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24920BN" title="See cross-reference BN">BN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24920BO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24920BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24920BP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24920BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>holy—<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24920BQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24920BQ" title="See cross-reference BQ">BQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the Son of God.</span><span class="text Luke-1-35" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-36" id="en-ESV-24921" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24921BR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24921BR" title="See cross-reference BR">BR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>who was called barren.</span><span class="text Luke-1-37" id="en-ESV-24922" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><b>For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24922BS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24922BS" title="See cross-reference BS">BS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>nothing will be impossible with God</b>.”</span> <span class="text Luke-1-38" id="en-ESV-24923" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant</span><span class="text Luke-1-38" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24923BT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24923BT" title="See cross-reference BT">BT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the angel departed from her.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Luke-1-38" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Luke 1:34-38)</span></div>
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<i><span class="text Eph-3-14" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Eph-3-15" id="en-ESV-29250" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">from whom <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29250AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29250AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>every family<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>in heaven and on earth is named,</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Eph-3-16" id="en-ESV-29251" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">that according to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29251AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29251AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the riches of his glory <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29251AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29251AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29251AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29251AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in your inner being,</span><span class="text Eph-3-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "arial";"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Eph-3-17" id="en-ESV-29252" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith</b>—that you, being <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29252AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29252AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>rooted and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29252AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29252AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>grounded in love,</span><span class="text Eph-3-17" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Eph-3-18" id="en-ESV-29253" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">may have strength to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29253AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29253AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29253AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29253AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>height and depth,</span><span class="text Eph-3-18" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Eph-3-19" id="en-ESV-29254" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and to know the love of Christ <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29254AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29254AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>that surpasses knowledge, that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29254AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29254AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>you may be filled with all <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29254AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29254AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the fullness of God. </span><b><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-ESV-29255" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Now to <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29255AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29255AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29255AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29255AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>according to the power at work within us,</span><span class="text Eph-3-21" id="en-ESV-29256" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29256AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29256AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.</span></b></i></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Ephesians 3:14-21)</span></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-88021507698986489452017-12-22T20:12:00.003-08:002017-12-22T20:12:41.688-08:00Advent Journey: Day 22, Mystery<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mystery</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>This is the great mystery of Christmas that continues to give us comfort and consolation: we are not alone on our journey. <b>The God of love who gave us life sent His only Son to be with us at all times and in all places,</b> so that we never have to feel lost in our struggles but always can trust that He walks with us.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">(Henri Nouwen, <i>Gracias</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Today's word for the Advent Journey is </span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Mystery. </i><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My first thought was instantly the mystery of the Incarnation- God becoming flesh. As one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen, reflected on the mystery of Christmas, He pointed to God-with-us, Emmanuel, and how Jesus is with us forever and at every moment, knowing our struggles, meeting our needs, never leaving us nor forsaking us. I decided to dig a little deeper into the New Testament, mostly Paul's letters to the early churches, and see what I could find on the topic of "mystery". There is so much to unpack! I'm not going to write much tonight, myself, but rather just share some of the incredible verses I found about the mystery that was hidden in ages past, yet revealed in Christ </span>Jesus<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and available to us as a free gift and treasure. Ok, are you ready? There's a lot, but it's powerful, it's truth, and it's the unveiling of the great mystery for all time and space and all people- the mystery made known in the baby born in a manger! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhGcGyf5GrxsH4ncR77AhyphenhyphenkTljg_KKwufROHiJzm7tATQM6_W52GZYOMpUrqcJYUFOeQoWzVfeC_5Gh2ytNMn-R5kisrlk_H7SiVFzc2nhyIIuwSIzAUqJOzyxwr5BcmHQObnt63mP-E/s1600/mystery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhGcGyf5GrxsH4ncR77AhyphenhyphenkTljg_KKwufROHiJzm7tATQM6_W52GZYOMpUrqcJYUFOeQoWzVfeC_5Gh2ytNMn-R5kisrlk_H7SiVFzc2nhyIIuwSIzAUqJOzyxwr5BcmHQObnt63mP-E/s400/mystery+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="text Col-1-25" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="text Col-1-25" id="en-NIV-29491" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>I have become its servant<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29491BM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29491BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by the commission God gave me<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29491BN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29491BN" title="See cross-reference BN">BN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to present to you the word of God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29491BO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29491BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in its fullness—</i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><span class="text Col-1-26" id="en-NIV-29492" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">the mystery<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29492BP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29492BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. </span><span class="text Col-1-27" id="en-NIV-29493" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">To them God has chosen to make known<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29493BQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29493BQ" title="See cross-reference BQ">BQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> among the Gentiles the glorious riches<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29493BR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29493BR" title="See cross-reference BR">BR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of this mystery, which is Christ in you,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29493BS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29493BS" title="See cross-reference BS">BS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the hope of glory. </span></b><span class="text Col-1-28" id="en-NIV-29494" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">He is the one we proclaim, admonishing<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29494BT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29494BT" title="See cross-reference BT">BT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and teaching everyone with all wisdom, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29494BU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29494BU" title="See cross-reference BU">BU</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>so that we may present everyone fully mature<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29494BV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29494BV" title="See cross-reference BV">BV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in Christ.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Col-1-28" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Colossians 1:25-28)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Eph-3-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i>Now to Him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, <b>in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith</b>- to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">(Romans 16:25-27)</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ...In Him we have redemption through HIs blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, <b>He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, </b>to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment- to bring unity to all things in Heaven and on earth under Christ.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">(Ephesians 1:3-10)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Eph-3-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i>We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, <b>we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.</b> None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Eph-3-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(1 Corinthians 2:6-8)</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Eph-3-2" id="en-NIV-29254" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29254B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29254B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for you,</span><span class="text Eph-3-3" id="en-NIV-29255" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>that is, <b>the mystery<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29255C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29255C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> made known to me by revelation</b>...</span><span class="text Eph-3-4" id="en-NIV-29256" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">you will be able to understand my<b> insight<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29256E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29256E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> into the mystery of Christ,</b></span><b> </b><span class="text Eph-3-5" id="en-NIV-29257" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.</b><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29257F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29257F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Eph-3-6" id="en-NIV-29258" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b>This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29258G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29258G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> together with Israel, </b>members together of one body,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29258H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29258H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. </span><span class="text Eph-3-7" id="en-NIV-29259" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I became a servant of this gospel<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29259J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29259J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by the gift of God’s grace given me<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29259K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29259K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> through the working of his power...</span></span><span class="text Eph-3-8" id="en-NIV-29260" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29260N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29260N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the boundless riches of Christ,</span><span class="text Eph-3-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> </b></span></span><span class="text Eph-3-9" id="en-NIV-29261" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">and <b>to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29261P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29261P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.</b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Eph-3-10" id="en-NIV-29262" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29262Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29262Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> should be made known<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29262R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29262R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to the rulers and authorities<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29262S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29262S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in the heavenly realms,</span><span class="text Eph-3-11" id="en-NIV-29263" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>according to his eternal purpose <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29263U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29263U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="text Eph-3-12" id="en-NIV-29264" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In him and through faith in him we may approach God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29264V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29264V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> with freedom and confidence.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Ephesians 3:2-12)</span></div>
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<i><span class="text Col-2-2" id="en-NIV-29497" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29497C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29497C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, <b>in order that they may know the mystery<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29497D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29497D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of God, namely, Christ, </b></span><b><span class="text Col-2-3" id="en-NIV-29498" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.</span></b></i></div>
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<span class="text Col-2-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Colossians 2:2-3)</span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eph-6-19" id="en-NIV-29357" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i>Pray also for me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29357E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29357E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that whenever I speak, words may be given me <b>so that I will fearlessly<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29357F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29357F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> make known the mystery<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29357G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29357G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the gospel.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-3-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Eph-6-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">(Ephesians 6:19)</span></span></div>
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<i>Beyond all question, <b>the mystery from which true godliness springs is great</b>:</i></div>
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<i>He appeared in the flesh,</i></div>
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<i>was vindicated by the Spirit,</i></div>
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<i>was seen by angels,</i></div>
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<i>was preached among the nations,</i></div>
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<i>was believed on in the world,</i></div>
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<i>was taken up in glory.</i></div>
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(1 Timothy 3:16)</div>
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<span class="text Col-2-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span class="text Col-4-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Devote yourselves to prayer,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29545A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29545A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> being watchful and thankful. </span><span class="text Col-4-3" id="en-NIV-29546" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And pray for us, too, that God may open a door<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29546B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29546B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for our message, so that we <b>may proclaim the mystery <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29546C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29546C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>of Christ</b>, for which I am in chains. </span><span class="text Col-4-4" id="en-NIV-29547" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.</span></i></span></div>
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(Colossians 4:2-4)</div>
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I cannot say much else- the Apostle Paul shared so eloquently the picture and intricate details of the incredible mystery of the GOOD NEWS, the Gospel- for both Jew and Gentile. All I can say is that I am grateful to be a recipient of such good news and to be an heir of Christ Jesus the King. I am so overwhelmed when I think upon the glory of Christmas and the Holy Mystery wrapped in swaddling clothes. Let us just pause for a moment and be in awe of that Mystery. And if you've never surrendered your life to the mystery of Christ, there's no better time than the week of Christmas to bow before the King of Kings and give your life to Him, for He so graciously has given His life to you and to me, for you and for me. Amen.</div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5518097176925057806.post-41778712830100636292017-12-21T22:04:00.003-08:002017-12-21T22:06:32.626-08:00Advent Journey: Day 21, World<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">World</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I read the word for Advent this morning, </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">World,</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> so many images came to mind. I pictured the celebration of Christmas around the world in so many cultures, languages, with various traditions and customs- all so beautiful! Of course "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" popped in my head as well. Truly, we have a reason to celebrate and a reason for real and lasting JOY! I also thought of Luke 2, the Christmas story, and once again mediated on the fact that the Gospel is for </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">all people</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> around the world. The angel declared that this baby boy would be </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">good news of great joy for all the people</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">! </span><br />
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<i><span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-ESV-24975" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the angel said to them,</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<b>Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy</b></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>that will be for all <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24975Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24975Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the people.</b></span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-ESV-24976" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>unto you is born this day in <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the city of David</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a Savior, who is <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Christ <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the Lord.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-ESV-24977" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24977W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24977W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>this will be a sign for you:</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">you will find a baby <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24977X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24977X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>wrapped in swaddling cloths</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and lying in a manger.”</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-13" id="en-ESV-24978" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And suddenly there was with the angel</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Luke-2-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">“<b>Glory to God <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24979AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>in the highest,</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>and on earth <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24979AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>peace <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24979AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>among those with whom he is pleased!</b>"</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Luke 2:10-14)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Isn't it amazing, too, that the heavenly host in their praise song declared that there would be </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">peace on earth </b><span style="font-family: inherit;">among those with whom His favor rests? Peace around the world- isn't that something of which we all dream and for which our spirits long? Yet we feel so very caught up in the midst of strife after strife. But, it is truth: Jesus is our Peace. He is the Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and He is coming again to reign. As we celebrate Advent, we remember His coming 2000 plus years ago, but we also await and anticipate His second coming, His ultimate and final reign, when He will make all things right again and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. We long for peace, because we were made for peace. I wrote a worship song recently called "Like the Dawn" (I can't wait to share this one with you all!) and the chorus goes like this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Jesus is the name that brings us Peace.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Jesus is the name of Victory</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Emmanuel, You came to give us Life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Crucified with Christ, we are Alive!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we consider the gift of Jesus, the gift of Life, the gift of the Savior, the gift of Peace and how this Great Gift of Christmas is for the entire World, my mind drifts off to friends near and far- especially those in faraway lands. Tonight I am praying a special prayer for five people that are a part of our family, but we won't get to see this Christmas...<a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?HvcMismatch=false&NumberRequested=20&CurrentPage=1&SortOrder=3&BirthdayTodayFilter=false" target="_blank">our Compassion sponsor children</a>. Julieta in Guatemala, Ronald in Uganda, Mixi in Indonesia, Livia in Brazil, and Namata in Uganda. I share a lot about our baby boy, Joey, with you all, but I want you to know, these 5 children and teens are so incredibly special to us and a true part of our family. Although we haven't met all of them yet (I dream of that experience this side of heaven for each one of our Compassion kids- I've had the incredible joy of meeting several sponsor kids over the years in Africa, Asia, and Latin America), I imagine what Christmas will be like for them this year. When I receive their letters int the mail, I can't tell you how excited I get. I want our Joey to experience that excitement and that connection with them as he grows.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Julieta is such an artist, so creative and thoughtful-I love her drawings and she writes beautifully. Ronald is a true leader, very gifted in sports and music and in so many areas, but also a prayer warrior with strong faith. Mixi's letters are filled with affection, enthusiasm, and expression- she's just precious. We don't know little Livia yet because we just began her sponsorship this week as the Lord put her on our hearts, but we are excited to get to know her! Namata has a passion for sharing the Gospel and truly serving others- she shines! Just as parents love to "brag" on their kids and show others how special they are, I want to share our sponsor students with you all, because each one is so dear to Jamie and me, and to the Lord. We believe, in faith, that God is doing something mighty in each one of their lives. (I am so proud of my sponsor kids that have graduated as well!! They are forever a part of my heart and my life!) So this Christmas, I try to imagine what it would be like to celebrate Jesus' birth in Guatemala, Uganda, Indonesia, and Brazil. I have a little nativity which I bought in Uganda in 2010, when I met Ronald and Namata (and dear Whitney, who has graduated). That nativity is a reminder to me that the Christmas story is not just for us here in the United States, but for </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">all people,</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">all times and ages,</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and in </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">every country around the world. </i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Christmas story is for young and old alike, for poor and rich alike, for men and women alike, for every nationality, tribe, and tongue. Jesus came to rescue each one of us, and He is the giver of peace- peace for the soul and peace on earth.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQW-xljvyNI3DQwUzuwnpnrmx9_zhN-DnVQNwlMUXCiNgg3bTNSxlTO0RL3zSnpBKKfLPeyu72pdtYA5BT7ZQxQJEsFaH_7UKwafXgwt4ZbikhSwgsqIWJqBjbyU2KgK8lw-uVbiT24g/s1600/Compassion+Livia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?HvcMismatch=false&NumberRequested=20&CurrentPage=1&SortOrder=3&BirthdayTodayFilter=false" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQW-xljvyNI3DQwUzuwnpnrmx9_zhN-DnVQNwlMUXCiNgg3bTNSxlTO0RL3zSnpBKKfLPeyu72pdtYA5BT7ZQxQJEsFaH_7UKwafXgwt4ZbikhSwgsqIWJqBjbyU2KgK8lw-uVbiT24g/s200/Compassion+Livia.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?HvcMismatch=false&NumberRequested=20&CurrentPage=1&SortOrder=3&BirthdayTodayFilter=false" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENmfPzUnMYFbA1te-0q5tm7mZ8x3dYWtg9AEtwKUHxkJRZKiGgKiXdNyq7zMvS26cLehyCcZlxAHRZ3DLrN7NCiAEwqEPk9wC_vVnemxCedH-U5b_1vO-u7RYAA2Dqt1CAoUeEsaQDqQ/s200/Compassion+Namata.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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Thank you for letting me share these five important young ones with you. Their pictures light up my own face as I see the God-given <i>life</i> and <i>potential</i> and <i>purpose </i>in each one of them! I can't wait to see all that the Lord will do in their lives! I want to also encourage you this Christmas- if you want to be a part of what God is doing around the world, why not take that step to sponsor a child in Jesus' name and become the encouraging cheerleader in his or her life? Exchanging letters and photos is so fun, so simple now with options online. For just over $1 a day, you could change the life of a child <i>forever. </i><b>For a little one living in the dark shadows of poverty, you can help shine the light of Christmas into their lives by lifting them out of their circumstances and into hope- hope found in Jesus.</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?HvcMismatch=false&NumberRequested=20&CurrentPage=1&SortOrder=3&BirthdayTodayFilter=false" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxawZK4qJhJ4S_S-MEaZviozXVWvgMBg3Fi8oxnQxpMnbu-621cu-J8ywkFGGAeHMnRFyCqljgAnQB_ErRU_Q-pA81iK5K2soacZiu98hbqNgPiBLsVoayERNh-Ol9KOfj2NZ8JIWwPk/s400/world+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Compassion's program is <b>Christ-centered, Church-based, </b>and all about <b>Children. </b>It's not a community development or relief program, but rather a <i>child development</i> program, truly investing in the God-given potential in each child's life. I love Compassion's commitment to integrity, financial accountability, and most-importantly, their unapologetic commitment to Jesus and the Gospel. I love that Compassion empowers the local church in countries all over the globe to really reach the children in their communities in the ways that are most needed. I love that my relationships with my compassion kids is so personal and special. If you are at all interested in sponsoring, here is a <b><a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?HvcMismatch=false&NumberRequested=20&CurrentPage=1&SortOrder=3&BirthdayTodayFilter=false" target="_blank">link with the children who have been waiting the longest</a></b>- some of them over 365 days. Wouldn't it be the most incredible Christmas gift ever for one of these children to find out that you chose them- that you decided to be their sponsor?! <br />
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<a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm">
<img alt="Sponsor a Child in Jesus Name with Compassion" border="0" src="https://banners.compassion.com/banners/HopeStartsHere_640x340.jpg" title="Sponsor a Child in Jesus Name with Compassion" /></a>
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To finish today's Advent Journey, let us praise the Savior of the WORLD with<br />
JOY TO THE WORLD!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Joy to the world!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The Lord is come</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Let earth receive her King</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Let every heart</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Prepare Him room</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>And heaven and nature sing...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Joy to the earth!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The Savior reigns</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Let men their songs employ</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>While fields and floods</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Rocks, hills, and plains</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Repeat the sounding joy...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>No more let sins and sorrows grow</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Nor thorns infest the ground</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>He comes to make</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>His blessings flow</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Far as the curse is found...</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>He rules the world</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>With
truth and grace,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>And makes the nations
prove<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>The glories of His
righteousness,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>And wonders of His love...</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm?HvcMismatch=false&NumberRequested=20&CurrentPage=1&SortOrder=3&BirthdayTodayFilter=false" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="400" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2guupYjK9a3UWsdgBH4USxdEYqGr7OmUzqGQEJh5wP0lLuGmGslhTmcbm0oZbVLb_Y8MwGV8EtS4vCMVh_K8QtkO8uKlQTSImqoDR2ydwOmTk15WTcYvblxrckK9DzwffPeagnOOYPR0/s400/world.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Caitlin Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06716105790058084673noreply@blogger.com