Be Still, My Soul

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"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 

"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'" Isaiah 30:15a

Day by Day

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When Lina (the Swedish writer of this hymn) was 26, her father (a devout minister) fell overboard and drowned right before her eyes. This tragic experience did not make her bitter or angry at God; instead, she chose to live each day with the conscious presence and strength of her Lord and continued to express a childlike faith/a deep & peaceful trust in Him day by day.

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Review: Selah's Album, "Hope of the Broken World"

I love Selah, especially when they sing hymns :)! They have very beautiful voices. I was so excited to have an opportunity to review their newest album, "Hope of the Broken World" which is released today!

This album includes 12 songs:

1. On the Mountain
2. Hope of the Broken World (see a music video below)
3. Shelter Me
4. Coat of Many Colors (written by Dolly Parton)
5. He'll Hold You
6. Be Still
7. Moments Like These
8. I Turn to You
9. Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus (a hymn written by Louisa M.R. Stead, c.1850-1917)
10. Threshold of Glory
11. I Look to You
12. When Love Was Slain

My husband and I enjoyed listening to this album. It consists of various styles of music. Shelter Me (based on Psalm 91) is a fun song with country music feel. Coat of Many Colors is a folk song/story-telling song. Selah did a cool rendition of an old hymn, Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, with a bonus of singing in African language (Did you know that Todd Smith, one of the singers, grew up in Africa?). Moments Like These is such a tender song about children and parents; it made me cry. On the Mountain is an upbeat, catchy song. Hope of the Broken World is a soothing song about Jesus who is the Light and Hope of the World. Some of my favorites are #2, #7, #9, and #12. All songs have great lyrics/encouraging messages. Selah is truly a talented group. I can listen to this CD over and over again :).

Check out Selah's videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheSelahVideos .
Connect with Selah on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/selahmusic .

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You can buy the album at http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Broken-World-Selah/dp/B004Y1QQ4A .


~ I received a copy of this album for free via Buzzplant in exchange for my honest review. Opinions are my own.

Friday's Fave Five #45

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My Fave Five this week:-

1. My daughter, Alyssa's poem, "Jesus Is Risen" is published online at The Homeschool Literary Quarterly. Comments are very welcome :). You can leave her a comment on the website below her poem.

2. Curriculum Clean Out. This is such a great idea for homeschooling families to bless one another. I'm giving away Eenie Meenie Miney Math! on my homeschool-related blog.

3. Chocolate covered pretzels, cashew nuts, roasted pumkin seeds. Yummy snacks :)!

4. Free download from Ken Ham: Defending the Faith Biblically and Scientifically. Disclaimer: I have not listened to it yet.

5. Cardboard Testimonies. I always get teary-eyed whenever I watch these. God's transforming power is so amazing and beautiful! Our church does cardboard testimonies at the Resurrection Day services every year. I'd  like to share this video from our church service last year (I don't know whether or when they'll post the one from this year).

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My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

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My Faith Has Found A Resting Place written by Lidie H. Edmunds, 19th century, Norwegian melody

"My heart is leaning on the Word--the written Word of God; salvation by my Savior's name--salvation thru His blood." (the third stanza of this hymn that was not sung in the video)
Jesus died to save me and you...to pay the penalty we cannot pay.  That's enough!  Theology is important.  Sound doctrine is important.  Apologetics is important.  But Jesus Christ is the most important!  May our daily lives testify of our childlike faith in Him!

"I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." 2 Timothy 1:12b

Friday's Fave Five #11

It's time for another Friday's Fave Five (hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story).

My fave five this week include:
1. Fun at the park/playground.  The boys had a blast.  I posted the pictures here.

2. Library's book sale.  We got a bagful of nice books and videos for $1.

3. We enjoy living in the country.  We get to see deer up close and varieties of birds.  We see hawks almost everyday and the day before yesterday, we saw California quails.  My sons are becoming ornithologists :).

4. I discovered another wonderful hymn and fell in love with it: "Jesus, Priceless Treasure" (written by Johann Franck, translated by Catherine Winkworth, music by Johann Cruger).  After we read it in the book, Mr. Pipes And Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, I looked up the song on YouTube.  I listened to  several videos (different choirs/singers); this hymn made me cry and cry (I just love Jesus so much!).  "Hence, all fear and sadness!  For the Lord of gladness, Jesus enters in.  Those who love the Father, though the storms may gather, still have peace within.  Yea, whate'er I here must bear, Thou art still my purest pleasure, Jesus, priceless treasure." (the last stanza in the hymn)

5. "The Signs of Persecution" free webinar featuring Kirk Cameron, Ray Comfort, and Carl Moeller.  It was excellent.  I will post the video here or the link to the video here when it becomes available.  Please join me in praying for persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.  If you would like to learn more about the persecuted church, please check out The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors.

The Week in Words #4

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." (~Helen Keller) It's an encouraging reminder for us when we go through trial and suffering.  James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

"May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." (John 17:23)  This verse made me think of the song, "They'll Know We Are Christians."  We are one in the Spirit.  We are one in the Lord.  We are one in the Spirit.  We are one in the Lord.  And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.  And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love.  Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love...

"Educating our children includes more than arithmetic and spelling; it includes building character. No educational pursuit can replace the deep need for a generation of children to be brought up first in the 'nurture and admonition' of the Lord." (~Rick Williamson)  That's one of the reasons why we homeschool our kids :).

"Keep me from saying words that later need recalling; guard me, lest idle speech may from my lips befalling...When dangers gather round, oh, keep me calm and fearless; help me to bear the cross when life seems dark and cheerless. Help me, as You have taught to love both great and small, and by Your Spirit's might, to live at peace with all." (~Johann Heermann, 1585-1647, from his hymn, "O God, My Faithful God" in the book, Mr. Pipes And Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, page 92)  That's my prayer!

"In a sense we become gardeners tending the spiritual development of our kids. God places the spark of life in the seed. We can't control that or how the plant eventually matures. But we can make sure the soil is rich, the ground is generously watered, the weeds are kept at bay, and the opportunity for sunlight is freely available...In the long run, the goal of parenting isn't for our kids to be known for how well-behaved they are, but for how well they know and respond to God." (~Mark Matlock, from his book, Real World Parents, page 13)  That's my goal, too.

Be Thou My Vision

I never get tired of listening to (or singing) "Be Thou My Vision." The words were translated from the 8th century Irish hymn by Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931) and versified by Eleanor H. Hull (1860-1935).

This hymn means so much to me because it is not only one of my all-time favorite hymns, but also my heart's desire and my prayer!

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"Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Proverbs 29:18

Lord, please give me your vision, passion, and compassion!  Please help me to know You more and to be more like Christ.  In Jesus's name, I pray.  Amen!

Previous Songs:
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
- Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

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This is one of my favorite hymns.  It was written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748).  In the top video, it was sung by Kathryn Scott.  The video below shows The Wonderful Cross, a different version of this hymn with added refrain lyrics by Chris Tomlin and J.D. Walt and arrangement by Jesse Reeves and Chris Tomlin.  I like both versions :).


"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6:14
...Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.  I totally agree with Isaac Watts!

Previous Songs:
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou My Vision

I am participating in the 'From the Heart of Worship' meme run by Growing In Grace Magazine. Worshiping the Lord is one of my favorite, favorite things to do in the whole world!

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-20) I love hymns. They are so rich in messages, meanings, & melodies, and deep in thoughts & feelings towards God; they are truly inspiring, and often Biblically-based.

"Hymns breathe the praise of the saints,
The vision of the prophets,
The prayers of the penitent and the spirit of the martyrs.

They bring solace to the sad, assurance to the perplexed,
Faith to the doubter and comfort to the oppressed.

They span the centuries of history and bridge the barriers of denominations.

Study them to be pure in heart;
Sing them to be joyful in spirit,
Store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship."

~Unknown


I never get tired of listening to (or singing) "Be Thou My Vision." The words were translated from the 8th century Irish hymn by Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931) and versified by Eleanor H. Hull (1860-1935). These words are so meaningful to me that I want to share with everyone.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart
Nought be all else to me save that Thou art:
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'n's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

I like to quietly sing and reflect upon these words (sometimes with tears in my eyes). This hymn means so much to me because it is not only my all-time favorite hymn, but also my heart's desire and my prayer!

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By the way, this month on Growing In Grace, my daughter wrote an article on "Eye Exam Month." Eyes...vision...how appropriate :).