As I was nearing retirement, I knew that I needed a hobby to keep me active. Most of my life I earned money doing writing assignments for newspapers. I also spent time writing a book for my grandchildren. So I liked to write.
Blogs were rather new two decades ago but I thought I would give this a try. So, I started a personal blog which was fun but did not have much of an audience. And the only place I had to publish it was on the Awana website which I ran. But that made it difficult for potential readers to find it.
Then the Lord directed me to the idea of a weekly hymn blog. I also found a google site that allowed blogs without any cost. The blogs were open to any reader with internet access. So, on October 19, 2008 I published my first hymn blog, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness".
I am still amazed at how fast my readership grew. As of today (July 23) I have had 1,252,058 visits. These have been people from all over the world. As a result, this has become a ministry and not just a hobby.
Over the years here are the most popular hymns that people have visited.
1. What a Day That Will Be, 2. Peace, Peace Wonderful Peace, 3. It Will Be Worth It All, 4. Bringing in the Sheaves, 5. I Shall Know Him, 6. Finally Home, 7. The Old Rugged Cross, 8. No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus, 9. Learning To Lean, 10. Higher Ground.
Let me close this blog by including some of the many comments that readers have left for me over the years.
+ When singing this song, my heart feels peace, my mind imagines heaven on that day I shall meet my Redeemer face to face. It a hymn of peace and joy. Glory to God and Praises be His name for this song.
+ I was up praying now and Holy Spirit just brought this song fresh into my heart, I have to search for it on line and behold I found it here, is still asking me again and again that HAVE I LAID IT ALL ON THE ALTER?
+ Thank you so very much, Bro. Barry. I'm 70 years old and still gravitate to the older gospel songs of my youth. These Scripture-based songs convicted, gave hope, had true praise, and so much more. they contained words you don't even hear from most pulpits like SIN, BLOOD, REPENT, ATONEMENT, and JUDGMENT.
+ I'll soon be 78 years old. I grew up in a family with missionary parents who exposed us to all kinds of Christian music. Out of nowhere, as I first awoke this morning, the words 'when Jesus comes, the tempter's power is broken' came to mind so I immediately googled. What a powerful message, so timely always but especially fitting in today's world.
+ This old song came back to me this morning as I was contemplating and praying about what to do. My mother is 100 1/2 years old, still lives independently in a retirement village but is now beginning to lose her balance and fall.
+ I have always feared having to have her in a nursing home and that seems to be what is ahead of us. This song came to my mind in the midst of those thoughts and prayers. I know the Lord will guide us and open the right doors leading us on to His perfect will for her.
+ Thank you so much for posting these precious hymns for those of us blessed to have been raised on hymns, Gaither music, and other non-repetitive music with a real message.
+This was one of my mom's favorite hymns. It gives me such peace and assurance because she had that confidence, to one day see our wonderful Jesus. I long to see both of them!
+ Hello my name is David from South Africa and a born again Christian and loves the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To me He is my everything my Alpha and the.Omega.
+This is a hymn I remember singing as a child. I remember my elderly Grandmother singing alto to this wonderful song also singing it as a child in Sunday School. It brought tears to me because JESUS gave HIS life for me and I can vow to live my life for HIM!
+Thank you for sharing this! We have not found many songs written on the mercies of God, and the history behind this one is a blessing as well. God bless!
+ I look forward to each Sunday's hymn! Thank you for sharing the hymn's history as well as a video! I'm a "senior" like you and find that living "moment by moment in His care" is very satisfying! "The virus" has allowed me to slow down and enjoy the moments He has given me! Keep the hymn messages coming! And the Peace of God be on you as you journey on with the Lord Jesus!
+I look forward to each Sunday's hymn! Thank you for sharing the hymn's history as well as a video! I'm a "senior" like you and find that living "moment by moment in His care" is very satisfying! "The virus" has allowed me to slow down and enjoy the moments He has given me! Keep the hymn messages coming! And the Peace of God be on you as you journey on with the Lord Jesus!
+ My husband and I are missionaries in Mexico, we have been there 18 years, we went there later in life. We are now 61 and 58 years old. Out of the clear blue, my husband began singing this song.
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