After a long absence, I’m back to share some beautiful worship music for Easter.
I’ve shared Page CXVI’s music before–but it was always for Christmas. But their music is so much more than carols. They selected some timeless hymns for this meaningful season, and made them original. I love hymns, and generally prefer the “ole” tunes. But Page CXVI adds melodious strings, piano, and soft vocals to bring them into the 21st century while maintaining their eternal message!
Jesus is Lord and He is Risen!
The video preview features the song “Three” from the album:
And you can listen to all 8 songs on soundcloud:
Starting today this new CD is available for purchase on iTunes here or Page CXVI’s site.
Join me in worshipping our Lord Jesus through song!
“No,” I said apologetically, “I wasn’t at Woodstock.”
My girls seemed disappointed that I didn’t take part in the iconic festival of my day. And I felt a tinge of regret, too, because it seemed I missed out on a major identification point with my generation.
But God did one better. He sent me to a festival of eternal proportions.
Exactly 40 years ago today, as 80,000 candlelights flickered across the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas, the Lord filled my heart with His light. “It only takes a spark….”
What an awesome week!! Just six days after my high school graduation, the Lord set favourable boundaries around my future, by sealing my will in His. And that one day made all the difference in the next forty years, and eternity, for me.
The days before that amazing night were filled with seminars, street evangelism, and some exceedingly convicting teaching on sex and purity by Josh McDowell. And then there was the music–Johnny Cash, Larry Norman, Love Song, Andre Crouch and the Disciples, Randy Matthews, Children of the Day, and many others! The evenings were filled with a call to follow Jesus. On June 15th, candles were distributed to a Bowl full of young people, while Dr. Billy Graham spoke:
“I am asking you to light a candle…and we will start a spiritual fire here tonight that could sweep the world.”
The entire stadium glowed with candlelight. We can’t really know, and only eternity will be able to reveal how much the world may have been affected by that evening. But I know this…I changed. It was the culmination of a mother’s prayers and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
As much as that one day changed the course of my life, it cannot be isolated from everything that took place prior to that time. My earliest memories are of my mom reading the Bible to me every night before bedtime. She also made me watch every single Billy Graham Crusade, go to church, Sunday School, and behind the scenes, prayed for me daily!
And, as anyone knows who has read about Moses’ forty years in the wilderness, Israel’s forty years of wandering in the desert, or David’s forty year reign, there was much more that needed to be worked out in my life after my initial surrender to the Lord–much more!
For the first several months following that momentous day, I probably sinned more than I did in the 17 years prior!! What a wreck, as I grappled to hold onto my will, my desires, and the future I thought I wanted for myself! A rigorous tug-of-war raged in my mind and almost took away all God had in store for me.
But, God’s grace is greater. He had new mercies waiting for me every morning. He guided me through decisions, 36 years of marriage, raising children, homeschooling, serving 20 years in the military, and too many other things to recount here. He has been, is, and always will be, FAITHFUL. That is my favourite characteristic of God! I can truly sing with the heavenly host, Great is Thy Faithfulness!!
That day and the thousands since, constantly reveal His love to me, over and over and over again, through the Cross of Jesus, the Word of God, and the gentle wooing of His Holy Spirit. There is no other place I would rather be than in Him.
I feel blessed and privileged to have been part of something much deeper and greater than Woodstock. Explo 72 was a place in time where God stepped in and turned a remnant of young people to Him; He ignited a generation to serve Him around the world, and stirred up wave upon wave of new music and praise to glorify His name among the Nations!
I used to tell my daughters that sometimes a very simple decision could potentially be a life-changer. Reaching out to the “new kid” at school, deciding NOT to go a party, or choosing TO go somewhere else..taking the road a little less travelled.
My life changed in 1972 when I decided to join our youth group on their journey to Dallas, Texas.
Yeah, Woodstock made quite an impact on my generation.
But Explo 72 changed us for eternity.
Life Magazine wrote about it.
And there was even a little book about it.
But in case you haven’t heard of Explo 72, you can read what Wiki says about it HERE!
It would take a book and a village to write about my forty year journey with the Lord. Suffice it to say,
“Whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:7-11, 14
Here’s a few YouTube videos created from The Jesus Explosion record album (yes, the vinyl product) recorded Live at Explo 72.
Randy Matthews: Didn’t He
Larry Norman: Sweet, Sweet Song of Salvation
Johnny Cash: I See Men as Trees Walkin
~~
What decision is God asking of you today that might make the difference of a lifetime for you–or someone else?
To me remains nor place, nor time;
My country is in every clime;
I can be calm and free from care
On any shore, since God is there.
After settling back into our non-routine routine life, I finally found made some time to compile a little photo log of our journey over the past several weeks; or, one might call it, “really great excuses as to why I haven’t been blogging.” I think my husband’s seven-year old Kodak 612Z camera still does a pretty good job capturing and highlighting our days.
After Easter, we moved out of our cute little spot in Ottawa.
Then we stayed on the “other” side of the Ottawa River a while with friends:
with dear friend, Elaine!
and moved our “schtuff” into their basement…
Guess I got a little too comfortable in their basement!
Then, it was time to say “See you later” (not goodbye), to some friends…
With Mitch at the Coffee House (JRCM)
Dave speaking at Jericho Road Coffee House
Kim’s surprise party was a success!! ♪ Happy 50th Birthday dear Friend ♪ !!
Last day–Brunch with Mack, Ray, Gloria, JL, and Charlene (taking the pic)
As we headed out of town, some colourful tulips peaking through the snow caught our eye.
At Dow’s Lake, these early blooms held up well to the late snow
Delicate, but tough
Then we drove south, and south, and east a bit…to enjoy an extended stay in Virginia Beach for my mom’s 80th birthday celebration, shared with our daughters and grandkids! These are just a few pics of all that were taken from our blessed time together:
With my beautiful mom. Willa
With my mom, Hope (& her baby-to-be), and Gracey!
Joy, my mom, Grace with Eva, and moi
All smiles with Gracey and Joy (and her baby-to-be)
Sisters with child(ren)
Say Cheese!! Grace, Joy, Steve, and Eva!
Cousins get reacquainted
Protected and Protector
On stage at the Kid’s Place
Eva is a star too!!
Busch Gardens with Hope, Jon and Andrew
Joy and Eva are not persuaded that the ponies are entirely safe at the Petting Zoo 🙂
John Deere meets John and Jon!
Wrapping up a morning at the Petting Zoo
Time for piggies in the sand!
The whole world’s a Beach for Poppop and Jonathan
Eva’s beach time with Pop-Pop
A few minutes of relaxin’ for lovely Nurse Grace
All done….
After spending time with our blessings, it was time to meet the road again.
highway to the hills
As Bilbo sang in The Hobbit,
Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.
So we return, for a bit, to our hollow in the hills, giving praise to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and seeking Him for whatever lies ahead.
Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. Psalm 119:5
While place we seek, or place we shun, The soul finds happiness in none; But with a God to guide our way, “tis equal joy to go or stay.
Is it not strange, the darkest hour That ever dawned on sinful earth, Should touch the heart with softer power, For comfort, than an angel’s mirth? That to the Cross the mourner’s eye should turn, Sooner that where the stars of Bethlehem burn?
John Keble, Good Friday
As much as I LOVE Christmas, this season of Jesus’ death and resurrection brings me even greater tidings of comfort and joy! Jesus birth was a glorious and beautiful foretaste of what He actually Finished at Calvary and the surprising dawn of His Resurrection. And though there’s nothing quite like the all-cozy-inside feeling I have when I hear Christmas carols, the hymns and praise of Easter ring out assurances of Hope, Love, and eternal Life!
~~
I serve a Risen Saviour! Christ the Lord is risen today!! Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!! Because He lives I can face tomorrow! He’s Alive! He’s Alive! Arise, My Soul, Arise!!
~~
I shared the last song, by Charles Wesley, under a different post, melody and musicians. Today’s rendition is compliments of Sovereign Grace Music (where you can purchase their newest CD for only $5)! The tune is new, soulful, and brilliant! But the classic words and message remind us that we are ever inscribed on Christ’s hands and forever accepted in the Beloved!
Amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection, here is comfort for you–you are “perfect in Christ Jesus.” ~ Spurgeon
I am so imperfect. And quite the imperfect blogger. I’ve been terribly sporadic this year! So, thought it time to lay out all my excuses and explain why I’ve been less-than-regular with writing and encouragement.
My husband has often says of himself, “It’s a full-time job just being me.”
And so with Linda….I’ve been too busy being me.
Being me, as any beloved child, is about partaking in God’s daily discipline and grace. Discipline, because I need it so much, and truly deserve it. Grace, well, because I need it so much, and don’t deserve it.
And being me has felt a bit like Bilbo Baggins, who said he felt “thin, sort of stretched, like butter, scraped over too much bread.”
Stretched, but content…
.
~~Living in Ottawa, but preparing to leave for our “other” home, building on relationships while facing goodbyes, being served by the very people I seek to serve, tutoring and plugging along with my degree, surprisingly chosen for the “novel” task of ghostwriting, and most recently, selected to be a contributing author for Regent University’s new blog.
~~A grateful wife of 36 years to a lovely, deep man, with an oft broken, contrite, yet humorous spirit!
~~Always a mom, though my daughters are grown and don’t live anywhere nearby. But I’m a mom, and thankfully, ever will be!
~~A grandma to two precious little ones, with another on the way! When I’m with them, I can’t imagine being away. And when I’m away→→I skype!!
.
~~An only, beloved child to my sweet mom, and this year, planning her 80th birthday celebration and reunion! How priceless is that?!
Being me may keep me from blogging regularly, but may it never keep me from daily seeking the Lord, leaning on and learning of His unfailing love and surpassing mercy.
I just pray that me being me won’t get in the way of
Him being Him,
in me,
for
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
~~~
Maybe you could share how you maintain blogging and other responsibilities, while still being you?
“Happiness is not getting what we want, but being grateful for what we have.”
This quote from a random British TV show we were watching one evening really stuck with me. We always seem to want more, without being grateful for what we already have. Millions have been spent in research to find out what the “perfect” monthly wage is that would make everyone happy. The answer across the board:
More.
So, happiness is elusive. But gratitude is not.
In fact, gratitude is God’s will! Are you fasting, praying, desperately searching to know God’s will for you life? How about this:
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thess. 5:16-18
Giving Thanks Together
The following poem from The Valley of Visionexpresses a heart full of gratitude and one after God’s will:
~~~
O My Lord
You, fairest, greatest, first of all object,
My heart admires, adores, loves you,
For my little vessel is as full as it can be,
And I would pour out all that fullness before you in ceaseless flow.
When I think upon and converse with you
Ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
Ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
Ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart.
Crowding into every moment of happiness.
I bless You for the soul you have created,
for adorning it, sanctifying it,
though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body you have given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding;
for your royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup
for appetite, taste, sweetness
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men
for opportunities of spreading happiness around
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing you clearly.
I love you above the powers of language to express, for what you are to your creatures.
Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22, 23 (ESV)
I haven’t shared any new songs for awhile, so today offers as good a reason as any to post a new one. The lyrics for Have Mercy on Me are below, and the graceful melody is in the Music Box. If you like the song, there are a lot more on the album, The Gathering, available at Amazon or Sovereign Grace Music (I get no absolutely no profit from them 🙂 ) Blessings!!
Have Mercy on Me
I am a sinner; You’re blameless,
Lord My sins against You can’t be ignored
They will be punished, I know they must
Your law demands it, for You are just.
If You would count everything that I’ve done wrong
Who could stand? But there’s forgiveness with You, God!
~~
Chorus
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me
A broken and a contrite heart You won’t turn away
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me
Because of Your steadfast love.
~~
Father of mercy, You gave Your Son
To make atonement for wrongs I have done
What You required, Jesus fulfilled
I don’t deserve it—I never will! *
~~
We love and worship you today, Dear Father, for the new mercies you have in store for us, today, this month, this year. Each morning we awake to a loving Father who desires good for us. Each evening we can sleep well, knowing you never sleep, keeping a watchful eye over your children. Through such comfort, I hope and pray that we can trust you more. Why do we draw away, why do we not run to you? Help us to lean on you with absolute trust and reliance. In Jesus’ name, Amen
What a delight this video is! Coca-Cola is doing this ‘thing’ called Happiness Strikes, blessing random people with random happy events. This video follows three sweet people from the Philippines living in the United States, who are reunited with their familes through the efforts of the Coca-Cola Company.
Of course, while I believe Jesus Christ alone made the ultimate “Happiness Strike” by becoming a child–
..made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone….
–the giant beverage company does a fair job bringing a smile to many, and tears to these eyes.
I dedicate this to my long-distance, grace-filled and beautiful Filipino friend, Lidia, who blogs at Crown of Beauty. This is sent with love and prayers for you, dear sister, and a desire for the good news of Jesus to resound and be received by many precious Filipino people, reconciling them to our loving Father and striking them with Joy unspeakable and full of glory! Love you Lidia!
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all!”
2 Thess. 3:16
~~~
My devotional today…one verse.
The Lord of Peace
Himself
continually
give
you
PEACE
at ALL times
in
Every
Way.
Matthew Henry comments on the wonder of this prayer and promise:
The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends. Peace with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might use all method to secure peace.
We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God’s gracious presence with us and them–no matter where we are, if God be with us; nor who is absent, if God be present. It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we hope to have peace with God, and to enjoy the presence of God. This grace is all in all to make us happy; though we wish ever so much to others, there remains enough for ourselves.
I pray that you may have peace in every way today…from the Lord Himself, the Lord of Peace and Grace.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”
2 Thess. 3:16 (NIV)
~~
[Brief disclaimer for my blogging absence the past few months. Many new travels, places, battles, faces…and little discipline to write through it all. Your patience is appreciated as I press on with writing, albeit, with small steps.]
Happy Birthday to our wonderful youngest daughter, Grace Victoria!
Bono’s song,Grace, touches my heart on so many precious and personal levels.
First it speaks of “a girl”, not just a girl, but our lovely daughter, Grace Victoria, who turns 30 today!!
It defines her, as she “finds goodness and beauty in everything” even as Oncological Nurse, who sees pain and disappointment on a daily basis.
It addresses the very reason we gave her that name–because, God knew we were in desperate need of His Grace to ‘change our world.’
And ultimately, His Grace is what, or rather, WHO, “takes the blame…covers the shame, removes the stain.” That Grace is Jesus. Jesus is Grace, unmerited favour, an undeserved gift, full of unconditional love, Who “makes beauty out of ugly things.”
Like us.
Thank you, Jesus, for Your Grace, God’s Grace, and our Grace Victoria!
~~~
Grace, she takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name
~~~
Grace, it’s a name for a girl
It’s also a thought that changed the world
And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything
~~~
Grace, she’s got the walk
Not on a ramp or on chalk
She’s got the time to talk
She travels outside of karma, karma
She travels outside of karma
~~~
When she goes to work
You can hear the strings
Grace finds beauty in everything
~~~
Grace, she carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips between her fingertips
She carries a pearl in perfect condition
What once was hurt, what once was friction
What left a mark no longer stains
Because Grace makes beauty out of ugly things
~~~
Grace finds beauty in everything
Grace finds goodness in everything.
If you care to listen to this lovely song, just click away on the Music Box. The MP3 may be purchased Here.
Absolutegrace 