Thoughts for another Monday...

At church yesterday we sang one of my favorite hymns..."To God be the Glory"...another hymn that gets my blood pumping and brings such joy to my heart. Thank you Fanny Crosby:) Hymns are honestly not only worship for me but something so sweet that I cannot even describe it...a connection from childhood faith to present-day faith I suppose, and I wanted to share this one with you, and for those of you who love hymns...I am sure you know what I mean. Oftentimes it is the ones that you know so well by heart that God uses to break in and let his grace wash over you. It always amazes me....maybe it is because I grew up singing hymns...with mom at the piano and Dad with his rich baritone voice perfectly holding up the bass line--(He gave hymns like "A Mighty Fortress" and "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" the "umph" they were intended to communicate that the soprano line just didn't seem to get across all by itself!) We also sang every night before bed after family devotions. Erik and David and I all got to pick one...and though we had several stints where David picked "Blessed Assurance" for months on end...perhaps that is why they have become so sweet to me. Because the words have grown up with me in a sense...From the lips of a little girl who had no idea what a bulwark was came the same declaration that "The protection of His child and treasure is a charge that on Himself He laid; As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure, this the pledge to me He made." And I did understand that. But oh, do I understand it so much more fully now!! So whether our children get the big words or not right now does not matter, because someday they will...and for a mere 26-year-old, I cannot even hope to imagine what they will mean at age 80! Truths from Scripture that transcend time put to music. A foundation for faith. What a gift. So sing with your kids. I cannot thank my parents enough for this gift...as it is truly something that can never be taken away. And since most of the gifts we give our kids break or fade like toys and clothing, how wonderful it is to know that we can give them something that will last.

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Refrain

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.