Peace

          I find it interesting to learn the backgrounds of various hymns.  This interest is one of the things that has kept me writing my hymn blog for many years.
           In 1874, Horatio Palmer asked Mary Ann Baker to compose songs to accompany his Sunday School lessons.  One dealt with the story of Jesus sleeping in the storm in the boat on Galilee.

           Mary had recently gone through her own storms. Her only brother had died a thousand miles from home while seeking a warmer climate for his tuberculosis.  For two weeks the telegraph wires carried messages back and forth between the dying brother and his loving sister.  Then came the news of his death.
            With this grief, Mary Ann studied Mark 4 and wrote, "Master, the tempest is raging! The billows are tossing high! The sky is o'ershadowed with blackness, no shelter or help is nigh, carest Thou not that we perish? How canst Thou lie asleep, when each moment so madly is threat'ning a grave in the angry deep."
          The chorus answers, "The winds and the waves shall obey Thy will, Peace be still, Peace be still!" And they did, and they still will!

          As we enter a new year we too will encounter new storms in our lives.  But Jesus isn't unaware or unconcerned.  He whispers to us, "Peace be still."  We can trust Him!

CHRISTMAS WITHIN YOUR HEART

CHRISTMAS WITHIN YOUR HEART

1   God gave joy at Bethlehem

Of joy the angels sang.

But greater far God's gift of joy, 

That you can know, When in your heart,

God's perfect gift you receive

 

CHORUS

Christmas within your heart, Christ reigning within

God's perfect gift was His only Son,

Your salvation to win.

Christmas within your heart

Christ reigning within

Won't you this moment His gift receive

Then you too will know of the joy He brings,

When the Lord reigns supreme in your heart.

Chorus

 

2.  God gave peace at Bethlehem when the Savior came,

But greater far God's gift of peace,

That floods your soul,

When in your heart

God's perfect gift you receive.

Chorus

 

3.  God gave life at Bethlehem,

Life abundant and free. Do not reject this precious gift,

New life He gives

When in your heart

God's perfect gift you receive.

Chorus

 

By Barry L. Kauffman

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS

No More Night

      A few years ago when we were experiencing deaths of numerous relatives and friends, we were introduced to the song "No More Night".  The words had a real impact upon us. We learned the song and sang it many times as a duet in our ministry.
          Recently I was watching a video featuring David Phelps.  With his amazing tenor voice he sang this song in a stirring presentation.  What a fitting conclusion this would be for a memorial service.
          Have you ever experienced the long night hours of pain or sickness?  Or even worse, have you ever sat with an ill child or a spouse wondering if daylight would ever come?  Those hours seem to pass so slowly and you can feel so alone and helpless and at times even scared.   If you haven't ever had this experience, you are very fortunate.  I've been there many times.

          But night doesn't have to just be a period without light.  Financial problems, marital problems, family problems, employment problems, physical problems, Pandemic problems all can send us through times that seem dark as night with no help in sight.  And these times can also be very painful.  All believers go through these painful periods of "night" during our lifetime, especially as we grow older.

          But rejoice, the end of night, pain and tears is near.  A new morning is on the way!

          In Revelation 21: 3-5 we read, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new," Also he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 

          Inspired by this text, Walt Harrah wrote the music and lyrics to this week's song in 1983. A well-known Christian composer and singer, Harrah originally was planning to become a pastor, earning a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Seminary. However, as he explains, "God threw me one of those surprises, 'No Walt you're not going to be a Pastor, I want you to sing for a while.' And sure enough, a singing career opened for me."  And in this hymn he expressed the hope that all believers have - no more night, no more pain, no more tears, never crying again!

          All of us have experienced the death of loved ones and close friends who were believers.  About the time that I first heard this song three of my best friends, as well as my brother, and my father-in-law and my dad were taken home to glory.  So, this song was an encouragement to me at that time.  I especially appreciate the words, "See over there, there's a mansion that's prepared just for me where I will live with my Savior eternally."  What a thrill to have this assurance and hope.

         Do you have this assurance?  Is your name written in the Book of Life?  If it is, you have nothing to dread.  If it isn't, please accept the Lord as your Savior today

 

The timeless theme, 
earth and heaven will pass away 

It's not a dream, 
God will make all things new that day 

Gone is the curse from which
 I stumbled and fell 

Evil is banished to eternal hell 

 

No more night 

No more pain 

No more tears 

Never crying again 

And praises to the great I Am 

We will live in the
 light of the risen Lamb 

 

See all around all the nations 
bow down to see 

The only sound is the praises 
to Christ the King 

Slowly the names from 
the book are read 

I know the King, 
so there's no need to dread 

 

No more night 

No more pain 

No more tears 

Never crying again 

And praises to the great I Am 

We will live in the light 
of the risen Lamb 

 

See over there, there's a mansion 
that's prepared just for me 

Where I will live 
with my Savior eternally 

 

And there will be no more night 

No more pain 

No more tears 

Never crying again 

And praises to the great I Am 

We will live in 
the light of the risen Lamb 

 

© Word Music 1983

 

You can listen to David Phelps sing it here.   NIGHT

 

Just A Few More

Here we go once again.  You must enjoy church bloopers.  Thanks for sharing them with me.

 

~ This one I said myself during the congregational prayer when leading prayer for our unsaved loved ones: Father, we just want to pray for our unloved saved ones. 

 

~ Please welcome Pastor Don, a caring individual who loves hurting people. 

 

~ Come out this evening for a time of prayer and sinning. 

 

~ A woman's blouse was found at a table in the middle of the servant appreciation dinner. If you lost your blouse, please come to the church office. 

 

~ Overeaters Anonymous meeting will be held at 8 pm in the large room. 

 

~ The ladies in the style show will meet with their dresses down in front after morning worship. 

 

~ A worm welcome to all who have come today. 

 

~ Sermon Outline:

I. Delineate your fear

II. Disown your fear

III. Displace your rear 

 

~ Next Friday we will be serving hot gods for lunch. 

 

~ If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check and drip in the collection basket. 

 

~ Nov. 11: An evening of boweling at Lincoln Country Club. 

 

~ Women's Luncheon: Each member bring a sandwich. Polly Phillips will give the medication. 

 

~ Karen's beautiful solo: "It is Well with my Solo" 

 

~ Congratulations to Tim and Rhonda on the birth of their daughter October 12 thru 17. 

 

~ If you choose to heave during the Postlude, please do so quietly. 

 

~ We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and the rector. 

 

~ Hymn: "I Love Thee My Ford" 

 

~ Sign-up sheet for anyone wishing to be water baptized on the table in the foyer. 

 

~ Newsletters are not being sent to absentees because of their weight. 

 

~ Helpers are needed! Please sign up on the information sheep. 

 

~ The Advent Retreat will be held in the lover level of St. Mary's Cathedral. 

 

~ The District Duperintendent will be meeting with the church board. 

 

 

God's Timing

Over the years I have been writing life stories for my grandchildren. I have now completed almost 300 pages for them.  Some of them have appeared in previous blogs and I have decided to share others as I am doing today.

          One of the lessons that I've learned throughout my life is that the Lord's timing is always right.  And while I admit that I sometimes forget it, our lives and schedules are under His control and He knows our present as well as our future.  I could give many examples of times in my life where this was so obvious.

          For example, for over 25 years we were involved in a family ministry where we had a very full schedule of over 100 programs each year.  And we never had to cancel a program because unplanned events developed.  They always seemed to happen when we had openings in our schedule.  There were two times that we were sick and probably should have canceled.  But we didn't.  Even family emergencies and funerals came when our ministry schedule was open.  We never could have planned for that, but God was in control.

          Last year we decided to give up our jobs as Judge of Elections and Majority Inspector in our local voting precinct.  The May 20 primary will be the first that we haven't had to prepare for and conduct in almost 12 years.  These elections always involved many days and hours of work for me.  And we would have been very busy next week with those responsibilities if we hadn't "retired".

          This past winter we were surprised to learn that we weren't needed to lead Pinebrook hymn sings in April, May and June of this year.  For the last 12 years we have led many of the sings during those months.  I admit that when learning this my feelings fluctuated from disappointment to relief.  And it did unexpectedly open our schedule during these months.

         I also have the early stages of prostate cancer and need an annual biopsy.  I was scheduled to have my third biopsy towards the end of May.  But at my three-month checkup the specialist said that this year we could postpone it for another three months.  That also opened our schedule for this time of the year.  And once again I began to sense that God had some special plans for us during these months.

        Then, about a month ago, I went to the emergency room thinking that I might be having a heart attack.  They decided to admit me to the hospital and began to do a series of tests.  About midnight they ruled out heart and sent me for mri's of my brain and spine.  These were done about 2:30 in the morning.  Then, on Saturday morning, they informed me that I had cervical spine problems that probably were causing my symptoms and maybe also the headaches that I have endured for about 12 years.  They recommended that I contact a neurosurgeon as soon as possible.

         I knew that the surgeon that I wanted because he is highly recommended usually was booked for two to three months in advance. Expecting this to be the case, on Monday I called his office.  The nurse immediately viewed my mri on the computer and said that I should be seen as soon as possible.  About a week later I saw the surgeon and he set up more tests, including a myelogram and more cat scans.  It did take almost two weeks to get these done, but as soon as he read the test reports they quickly set up another appointment.  When we met he showed me how serious and risky my neck problems really were and we immediately set up a date for surgery.  This all happened so very quickly ... and my schedule was open.

        Now I had often said that I would never have neck or back surgery, especially the type where they go through the front of your neck.  I guess I've now learned never to say never.  So on May 19, at 7:45 am, I will have cervical spine surgery that may take four to five hours. I just pray that he can safely solve the possible complications that he said he will face dealing with my problems. I will probably be hospitalized about three days and then very limited for quite some time.  For example, I will not be allowed to drive nor lift for four to six weeks, and I will probably need a neck brace.  What an inconvenience that will be.

         But the amazing thing is that once again our schedule is "open" during these times - no election, no hymn sings, no biopsy, and Awana is over for the season.  And God also performed a miracle in allowing me to go to the emergency ward where the problem was finally found and then by allowing me to be taken care of by an outstanding surgeon, without months of waiting.  God's timing is always perfect.  And it is with the knowledge that he knows and controls our paths, that I can move ahead with the surgery knowing He is in control and the results are in His hands.

          "In His time, in His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time.  Lord, please show me everyday as you're teaching me your way, and I'll do just what you say, in your time."

We thank Thee, Lord

          After several years of disruptions to our family gatherings caused by covid and other illness, we finally were able to gather on Thursday to celebrate Thanksgiving. Sixteen of our eighteen family members were there.  My middle son and his wife were absent because he just had hip replacement surgery on Monday and wasn't allowed to travel.

          We had a great time of sharing what is happening now and remembering times from the past.  God has been so good to us as a family and we have so much to thank Him for.

          We also welcomed our first greatgrandchild, thirteen month-old Malachi.  Since he lives near Boston it was a special opportunity to get to know him.  Lord willing we will be together once again on Christmas Eve, another family tradition.

          The day had many special times, but one really touched my heart. It has been a family tradition for many generations to sing our prayer before we eat.  The harmony was special but this time the words and the tradition meant more to me than ever.

          As we sang, I realized how unique this opportunity really was.  I was touched by the knowledge of how true the words were to all of us in attendance.  And I realized that this might never happen again here on this earth. I thought of particular relatives with whom I had sung this in previous years. Precious memories! I hope for the Lord's soon return.

          Here are the words and message of this traditional meal time prayer:

 

We thank thee Lord for this our food,

God is love, God is love.

But most of all for Jesus's blood,

God is love, God is love.

These mercies bless and grant that we

may live and feast and reign with thee,

may live and feast and reign with thee,

God is love, God is love.

Amen!

 

I hope that you had a meaningful Thanksgiving and may the truth of this chorus be real in your life.

Leaves, leaves, leaves

          Leaves, leaves, … leaves.  Oh, how I love to view the beautiful fall leaves.  There is a wondrous beauty in God's handiwork each Fall as He paints the mountains and valleys with beautiful reds and yellows and oranges.
          But, sadly they pass too quickly and often they are left for us to pick up and discard or burn.  But even the smell of burning leaves can be a special treat.  However, cleaning them up can be a major job.

          I am thankful that in recent years we have had my grandson, Zach, to do most of the clean-up for us.  That takes him many hours and we are no longer able to share the work with him. But he has been very reliable and works without complaining no matter how cold it may be.
          We have a beautiful red maple and we have enjoyed its colors for decades.  But it has one problem – it doesn't shed its leaves until the beginning of December.  By that time, we reach the end of the time when our township will pick up our leaves.  So, every Fall we race against the calendar in hopes of having our large piles of leaves hauled away. This year our tree appears to be extra late so we may lose the race this year.  Do you want some leaves?
          One of my most interesting memories came the year my mother was killed in the auto accident.  Her memorial service came when we had piles of leaves to remove throughout our property.  As a joke I changed our phone message to invite folks to help clean up our leaves.  While we were at her service, a family from our church showed up and did just that.  They cleaned up better than we ever did.  We were surprised, stunned and extremely thankful.  That was one task we did not think about that year.
          Now their response was the right kind of response to the statement "Just let us know if we can do anything for you." There are always things that you can do for those of us who have needs or are handicapped.  Just open your eyes.
          Well the leaves will soon be gone for another year.  But then, unfortunately, next comes … are you ready? …. the ice and snow.  I'll gladly take the leaves any day.

          Oh, by the way, if you want to help with the leaves just come on over.  You are always welcome!

Would You Believe?

          My husband and I went through the McDonald's driveway window and I gave the cashier a $5 bill.  Our total was $4.25, so I also handed her 25c.  She said, 'you gave me too much money.'   I said, 'Yes I know, but this way you can just give me a dollar back.' She sighed and went to get the manager who asked me to repeat my request.  I did so, and he handed me back the 25c, and said 'We're sorry but we don't do that kind of thing.'  The cashier then proceeded to give me back 75 cents in change.  Do not confuse the people at MacD's.

 

          We had to have the garage door repaired.  The repairman told us that one of our problems was that we did not have a 'large' enough motor on the opener.  I thought for a minute, and said that we had the largest one made at that time, a 1/2 horsepower. He shook his head and said, 'You need a 1/4 horsepower.'  I responded that 1/2 was larger than 1/4 and he said, 'NOOO, it's not. Four is larger than two.' We haven't used that repairman since...

 

          I live in a semi rural area.  We recently had a new neighbor call the local city council office to request the removal of the DEER CROSSING sign on our road.  The reason: 'Too many deers are being hit by cars out here! I don't think this is a good place for them to be crossing anymore.'

 

          IDIOT SIGHTING IN FOOD SERVICE.  My daughter went to a Mexican fast food and ordered a taco.  She asked the person behind the counter for 'minimal lettuce.'  He said he was sorry, but they only had iceberg lettuce.

          I was at the airport, checking in at the gate when an airport employee asked, Has anyone put anything in your baggage without your knowledge?'  To which I replied, 'If it was without my knowledge, how would I know?'  He smiled knowingly and nodded, 'That's why we ask.'

 

          The pedestrian light on the corner beeps when it's safe to cross the street.   I was crossing with an 'intellectually challenged' co-worker of mine.  She asked if I knew what the beeper was for.  I explained that it signals blind people when the light is red.  Appalled, she responded, 'what on earth are blind people doing driving?!' She is a government employee.

 

          When my wife and I arrived at a car dealership to pick up our car after a service, we were told the keys had been locked in it.  We went to the service department and found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. As I watched from the passenger side, I instinctively tried the door handle and discovered that it was unlocked. 'Hey,' I announced to the technician, 'its open!'  His reply, 'I know. I already did that side.'

 

STAY ALERT, THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!

Posted on wrong date

           In case anyone actually noticed, the post "Whispering Hope" should have been posted on November 4 instead of the date it did post.  Another "senior moment" by the "head blogger".

Whispering Hope

          Several years ago, a local small evangelical church needed a piano player.  They contacted my wife and offered her a small stipend to play for their Sunday services.  At the time our church had plenty of musicians and didn't really need my wife, so we agreed to minister with them for a year.

          Their Sunday worship service averaged about 60 in attendance.  Their Sunday night service averaged about eight, including the pastor and his wife, the church treasurer, and Dianne and I.  During our time with them the pastor preached through Isaiah in the evenings, an hour each evening. And they didn't seem to understand why they didn't grow.

          They didn't have any musicians except for the pastor who had an excellent singing voice.  Their folks were nice but they kept to themselves.  We never really felt accepted by them – we were outsiders.  I was never asked to lead in prayer, lead singing or participate in the services.  We did sing one duet during our year with them.

          However, we did enjoy our time with them.  They enjoyed Dianne's playing.  But why wouldn't they?  God has blessed her with a special gift.

          But looking back there is one event that I really regret.  There was an elderly widow who attended regularly.  We tried to be friends with her.  Then one Sunday morning she came to me and said she was going to sing a solo that morning.  She wanted the pastor and I to provide some background for her number, "Whispering Hope".

          Now I had never heard her sing. We had no music.  And I really didn't want to do it.  Fortunately, I had a good excuse and could tell the truth.  I had a very bad cold and couldn't sing that morning.  So, I said that I couldn't do it.

          But, the pastor sang background alone for her.  It was terrible.  When we got in the car to go home, Dianne asked me what I thought.  I said that it was the worst thing I had ever heard.  We both burst out laughing and didn't stop until we got home.

          Now that years have gone by, I realize how wrong my reaction really was.  The widow was doing it for the Lord.  It was her offering for the Lord. It now reminds me of the story in the Bible of the widow who gave her last coin.  And it meant so much more than the large gifts given by others.  And now I believe the same thing could be said about this widow's song – it was her best!  Now I am embarrassed by my thoughts.  I was wrong and have accepted it differently.

          And what about the thoughts of the congregation?  They responded to the music with loud "Amens" throughout the church.  

          They understood what at the time I did not.

Yes, they said that

          Some grade school teachers must agree that students say the strangest things, because they keep journals of amusing things their students have written in papers. Here are a few examples:

 

- The future of "I give" is "I take."

 

- The parts of speech are lungs and air.

- The inhabitants of Moscow are called Mosquitoes.

- Water is composed of two gins. Oxygin and hydrogin. Oxygin is pure gin. Hydrogin is gin and water.

- (Define H2O and CO2.) H2O is hot water and CO2 is cold water.

- A virgin forest is a forest where the hand of man has never set foot.

- The general direction of the Alps is straight up.

- A city purifies its water supply by filtering the water then forcing it through an aviator.

- Most of the houses in France are made of plaster of Paris.

- The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 opossums.

- The spinal column is a long bunch of bones. The head sits on the top and you sit on the bottom.

- We do not raise silk worms in the United States, because we get our silk from rayon. He is a larger worm and gives more silk.

- One of the main causes of dust is janitors.

- One by-product of raising cattle is calves.

- To prevent head colds, use an agonizer to spray into the nose until it drips into the throat.

- The four seasons are salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

- The climate is hottest next to the Creator.

- The word trousers is an uncommon noun because it is singular at the top and plural at the bottom.

- Syntax is all the money collected at the church from sinners.

- The blood circulates through the body by flowing down one leg and up the other.

- In spring, the salmon swim upstream to spoon.

- Iron was discovered because someone smelt it.

- In the middle of the 18th century, all the morons moved to Utah.

- A person should take a bath once in the summer, not so often in the winter.

- The law of gravity says no fair jumping up without coming back down

- You can listen to thunder and tell how close you came to getting hit. If you don't hear it, you got hit, so never mind.

- A vibration is a motion that can't make up it's mind which way it wants to go.

- There are 26 vitamins in all, but some of the letters are yet to be discovered.

- Vacuums are nothings. We only mention them to let them know we know they're there.

- I'm not sure how clouds are formed, but clouds know how to do it, and that's the important part.

- Water vapor gets together in a cloud. When it gets big enough to drop, it does.

- Rain is saved up in cloud banks.

- It is so hot in some places that people have to live in other places.

The Great Disappointment

           Sunday will mark the anniversary of "The Great Disappointment", an event which had it happened would have changed all our lives.
          In the early 1800's there was much speculation about the exact day and year when Christ would return.  Among those making predictions was William Miller, a minister from New York. After much study he felt that the return would come on October 22, 1844.
          As that date approached a foreboding fell over New England.  People gathered in churches and on mountaintops. Many normal activities ceased while folks watched the skies and looked for the sudden end of the world.
          But, alas, nothing happened.  Many Christians became disillusioned.  Some became cynical. The event became known as "The Great Disappointment".

          Miller and his followers forgot Christ's warning against setting dates. Matthew 24:36, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father".
          Miller predicted a few more dates, also without Christ's return. Miller responded publicly about his mistakes, writing, "I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment; yet I still believe  that the day of the Lord is near, even at the door.
          Well I do agree with part of his conclusion.  I also believe the day of the Lord is near.  It could be today and we are to be ready.  As He tarries there is still much for us to day in this sinful world.

          An old song sums up my hope.

                                   (1)    Often my soul has been lifted above

Lost in the ocean of God's mighty love

Higher and higher, but once still I say

I'm going higher someday

 

I'm going higher, yes higher someday

I'm going higher, yes higher to stay

Over the mountain, beyond the blue sky

Going where none ever sicken or die

Loved ones will meet in that sweet by and by

I'm going higher someday

 

(2)    Soon will the Savior appear, bless His name

And in a moment, we all will be changed

Then when he calls for his bright come away

We're going higher someday

 

I'm going higher, yes higher someday

I'm going higher, yes higher to stay

Over the mountain, beyond the blue sky

Going where none ever sicken or die

Loved ones will meet in that sweet by and by

                                        I'm going higher and someday!

Be ready, it might even be today!

A Ministry

          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.

          + It's been so long since I heard this wonderful song; thank you, Barry for sharing it this week. The timing was right on for me. God has been "breaking" me and I weep; but, the "spilling out" is coming and I look forward to that. AND, one day soon, I will be with my Saviour who was broken and spilled out for me. Praise the name of Jesus!

Remembering Octobers

          October – one of my favorite months.  Cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, football, baseball play-offs, and much more.
          But years ago, during my lifetime, the start of October annually brought stress to pastors and their families in our denomination because it was decision time.  In the middle of the conference week they could be told that they were being transferred to a different church in a different town.  Without ant warning they would need to pack up and move.  The children would be forced to change schools and childhood friends.  It was a stressful time for many.
           I was aware of some of this stress since it affected my grandparents, my father and my aunts for many years.  It also affected me as a member of our church since we had to wait until Sunday to see who our pastor would be for the next year.

         We attended a small church and movement of pastors was common for us.  We had five different pastors before I graduated from college.  But only once did we know a change was coming and that was because our previous pastor had died.  And I remember waiting for the news of who the new one would be.  Because of my involvement with our denomination I knew many of the pastors and had my favorites.

          And when the news finally came, I was stunned.  Pastor John Dunn was assigned to us and I was very disappointed. He was older.  He had a deformed arm.  He was short. He was not very dynamic.  He would not have been my choice.  But he was God's choice for us at that time.
          Pastor Dunn was a godly man who loved the people.  He visited.  He cared and he was very adequate in the pulpit.  Under his ministry we grew and we expanded.  God worked under his ministry.  And he was definitely one of the top three pastors I ever had.  I thank God for directing that assignment.

          Before he retired, the denomination changed the pulpit procedure giving churches the opportunity to call pastors of their choice.  No more do pastors and families have to face a possible sudden move during conference week in October.

          The change is great for pastors but I'm not always so sure it is always better for the church.  Who can argue with a process where God makes the choices rather than congregations.  I'm glad He made the choice that year for us.