Scripture and ...

As I stated in my last post, I found several songs and poems while going through a box containing my grandfather's funeral guest book from 1972. When I talked to my now 94-year-old grandmother just yesterday, she still exhibits the faith in a Lord who cares for her that got her through the difficult time of becoming a young widow.  I found the hymn When Jesus Leads quoted in a letter from my grandfather's brother shortly after my grandfather's funeral. Though we don't know why the Lord allowed my grandfather to die when my dad was only 16, God has a plan and just because we don't know what it is doesn't mean we can't continue to trust Him and how He leads us.  When Jesus Leads by C. Austin Miles Verse 1 : When Jesus leads, the way grows bright, E’en though before ‘twas darkest night; About Jesus in John 1:4-5 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness , and the darkness did not comprehend it. From H...

As I stated in my last post, I found several songs and poems while going through a box containing my grandfather's funeral guest book from 1972. It still amazes me the strength, faith, and grace of my grandmother enduring her husband's two-year fight with leukemia and then being widowed while in her forties.  This poem was quoted in a letter from my grandfather's mother written to my grandmother, her daughter-in-law. It is from a mother in her grief to a wife in hers. And, since my great-grandfather had died from cancer twelve years earlier, from one widow to another. Two godly women who in their time of grief hung on to their faith that God both is in control and loves them.  This poem, written by Laura A. Barter Snow (1864-1939), is about trusting God even through the difficult times and the unknowns. Laura A. Barter Snow was a Christian poetess. Her most well-known poem is probably "This Is From Me" which is used in the popular devotional, Stream...

Recently my mom gave me a box of old photos and family history documents to scan. In them was the guest book for the funeral of my grandfather, a godly preacher who died long before I was born. It also had a stack of old letters and cards written to my grandmother, a rather young widow at the time. I've always yearned to know more about my grandfather, so I read through the letters. I learned much of how my grandfather was a faithful servant of the Lord and mentor. I also found two hymns and a poem that were shared with my grandmother at the time of her bereavement. I found them very special and would like to share them with you as well. The Lord Will Provide was written on the back of the funeral service program. "The Lord will provide" was also quoted several times in letters to my grandmother as something my grandfather said often during his two-year-long battle with leukemia. The hymn was written by John Newton. It is not in many hymnals anymore and even the olde...

I recently posted Scripture and Christians Songs for Times of Trouble .  When I shared it on Facebook, I asked what songs or hymns encourage others in difficult times.  All of the responses were hymns.  I hadn't even gotten to those yet.  Here are some of their replies as well as some hymns that have helped me through tough times. Day by Day by Lina Sandell in 1865 Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure, Gives unto each day what He deems best, Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest. Every day the Lord Himself is near me, With a special mercy for each hour; All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me, He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r. The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid; “As thy days, thy...

Death of a loved one.  Failed hopes.  Fears about a health problem.  Broken relationships. Betrayal by friends.  Everyone goes through times of trouble.  Sometimes we ask God why. Sometimes we just want to cry.  Here are some Scriptures and songs that have helped me through my times of trouble. Blessings by Laura Story We pray for blessings, we pray for peace Comfort for family, protection while we sleep We pray for healing, for prosperity We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering And all the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things 'Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops What if Your healing comes through tears What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near We doubt your goodness, we doubt...