Hymns Have a History - What Prompts Songwriters to Write?

My guest today is Lucy N. Adams. She has written a book called, 52 Hymn Story Devotions and I've asked her to share about one of her favorite hymn stories. I find the stories behind the hymn fascinating. When you put the story and the words of the hymn together they are a powerful combination that speaks to the heart.

His Name is Wonderful

By Lucy N. Adams | Dec 18, 2013

Hugging my young son Ben was always a joy.

Now that he is a grown man, I don’t remember every hug, of course, but one special one I will never forget. It happened on the first school day in January. In his class they were to bring a favorite Christmas gift for show-and-tell so they could tell why it was special.

Ben was leaving the house with nothing to share and I asked why. That dear little 6-yearold boy dropped his head and said it was because he didn’t get anything he wanted for Christmas.

I knelt beside him and almost cried. However, we hugged and I expressed my sorrow that we had not chosen gifts that made him very happy. In the days to come we went shopping and he chose a favorite toy that he had wished for.

There may be many of those experiences following our elaborate yearly Christmas giving. Sometimes we don’t hear such an honest appraisal of our choice, so I am happy that I heard from Ben. I could do something to remedy his disappointment.

There is a gift, however, that is perfect. One of my favorite songs, “His Name Is Wonderful,” describes that gift. In fact, it was “a gift from heaven” said composer Audrey Mieir. It has become a treasured gift to millions of Christians worldwide. It was born at Christmas while Mieir was at church.

She said she never intended to write a song on that Christmas day in 1955. She was focused on the children’s Nativity scene and the sermon as she quietly sat in church.

At Bethel Union Church in Duarte, California, her husband’s brother, Dr. Luther Mieir was the pastor. The joyful congregation was focused on the re-enactment of the Nativity scene.

The children, dressed as shepherds, were covered in oversized bathrobes. Some of the angels’ halos were slightly crooked. Singing the glorious old carols and hearing the scripture passages had great meaning.

The powerful prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 went down deep into Mieir’s soul as she cherished those words: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

When that familiar scripture was concluded, the pastor lifted his hands, closed his eyes and said, “His name is wonderful.”

There must have been a holy hush in Mrs.Mieir’s soul.

“I felt as if I heard the rustle of angel wings and a musical chorus came to my mind,” she exclaimed. On the flyleaf of her Bible she quickly wrote the words that her brother in-law had just proclaimed, “His name is wonderful.” After she wrote it three times, she added the sacred name of her Lord.

It remained as only a short chorus for a few days, until she completed all of the music and a fuller description of who Jesus is: “He is the mighty King, Master of ev’rything, His name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord. He’s the Great Shepherd, The Rock of all Ages, Almighty God is He.”

The last line is a personal reflection on the One whose name is wonderful. We want to bow down, love and adore this wonderful Jesus.

“Bow down before Him, Love and adore Him, His name is wonderful, Jesus, my Lord.”

Before Mieir died in 1996 at 80 years old, some of her last words were: “His Name is Wonderful will outlive the chubby human hands chosen to write a few black notes on five lines and four spaces. But it will never outlive the Father who glories in His Son’s name and who glories in our praise.”

Jesus, name above all names, keep us calm during this Christmas rush. Help us to focus on You above all else. We see You in the manger scenes in our homes, in stores and placed on front lawns across the land.

There are some restrictions on where those displays can be but it is the manger within our heart that is the most important.  It is there that You are everlasting. We are free to speak Your name and  that too is a precious Christmas gift.

May Your wonderful Name reign supreme during each  moment of our lives.  Amen.

Reprinted with permission of the author

You can find out more about Lucy at http://www.52hymns.com/

Get a copy of Lucy's book of hymn devotions:

Hugging son image courtesy of www.morguefile.com

photo credit Children's Nativity: johntrainor via photopin cc

Ever Wonder What Happens to Your Operation Christmas Child Box?

Lori Hatcher joins me again this week...

Ever wonder what happens to the Operation Christmas Child shoebox your family fills every year? Many families donate boxes full of toys, candy, and personal items to Franklin Graham’s ministry to children in impoverished or war-torn areas. They seldom think about what happens next. My visit to the giant OCC processing center in Charlotte, North Carolina enlightened me. 

Every year, thousands of volunteers help inspect and process the shoe boxes for distribution. This year, my husband led a team from his youth ministry, and I went along. In 2013, our guide told us, the Charlotte campus of OCC hopes to send out 2.9 million boxes. By 2 p.m. on the day our team arrived, they had already processed 109,000—a remarkable feat considering that every box must be hand-inspected by volunteers and prepared for travel. 

This is not me -- her hair is much prettier!

Stationed on a long assembly line, my job was to open each box and remove the seven-dollar shipping donation. As the first to handle each box, I was the first to peek inside. It was like Christmas morning a thousand times over. 

As I carefully raised the lid, mindful of the fact that a check could be taped to the inside or resting on top, I couldn’t help but imagine how the little child who will ultimately receive this box might feel. 


Two types of boxes were particularly moving. 

The boxes designated for little girls made me smile. Many included soft stuffed animals, hair bows and brushes, and pretty pens and paper. I imagined the girls’ delight when they fingered the faux pearls, sniffed the scented soap, or hugged the black-eyed teddy bears. My favorite box of all contained an entire fairy outfit, complete with a sparkly wand and a pink tutu. 

The boys’ boxes were equally exciting, according to my husband. They held flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, and tools like hammers and screwdrivers. Candy filled the corners and the token toothbrush and toothpaste balanced out the equation. Some were packed so tightly and filled so full that we had a hard time closing the lids. 

Every now and then, however, I’d open a different type of box. Sparsely filled, sometimes with items that were second hand or functional, these country cousins just couldn’t compete with their overweight city relatives. They were usually smaller, almost apologetic in their presentation, and seldom wrapped in pretty paper. One had a photo of a little old lady sitting on a couch with a bug-eyed Chihuahua beside her. “Jesus loves you,” she had written. “I hope you come to love him, too.” 

Thankfully, due to the added generosity of individuals and businesses, we supplemented boxes like these with filler items. We’d tuck toys, school supplies, or toiletry items into the empty spaces and pray a blessing on the giver who’d obviously had a generous heart but an impoverished pocketbook. 

The full boxes made my heart happy, because they demonstrated the generosity of God’s people toward those less fortunate than themselves. They gave me hope that although our world seems to be increasingly selfish and self-centered, people are still listening to and obeying the Holy Spirit’s nudge to give. 

The partially filled boxes made my heart happy, too. Like the widow’s mite, they demonstrated the desire of God’s people to give sacrificially. Both boxes, I believe, made God’s heart happy. 

Perhaps some of the shoe boxes you’ve donated over the years have been filled with gracious plenty. Others, maybe not so much. Even if all you could give was a partially filled shoebox, rest in the knowledge that God multiplied your gift and sent it on. 

And he’s smiling—just like the little boy or girl on the other side of the world will be when she opens her box this Christmas.

Do you have an Operation Christmas Child story to share? I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment below. If you’re reading by email, click here to comment. 

And if you'd like to read about two orphaned children who received shoe boxes, click HERE to read my friend Dawn Gonzalez's fabulous story.

Here's the team from Green Hill Baptist Church with my husband, David (left).

To register to win a FREE Kindle Fire loaded with books, including my new 5-minute devotional, Hungry for God . . . Starving for Time, click HERE.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT 

FOR THE BUSY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE?

May I tell you about my new book, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women?

 Today's women want to connect with God, but in the craziness of life, it’s just not happening. You want practical, biblical answers to situations you face every day, but you don’t have hours to pore over Scripture.

You need a resource that answers the questions you’re afraid to ask out loud. Questions like:

• Is my situation hopeless?
• If God already knows what he’s going to do, why bother to pray? 
• Why have you allowed this to happen to me? 
• No one appreciates what I do. Why shouldn’t I quit? 

Each devotion begins with a Facetime question and ends with a biblical answer wrapped in a modern day parable. Like a spiritual power bar, Hungry for God … Starving for Time is packed with enough scriptural nutrition to get you through the day. Wherever you are—in break rooms, carpool lines, or wherever you can snatch five minutes of quiet reflection—Hungry for God … Starving for Time, 5-Minute Devotions for Busy Women is for you. 

Get a copy here:

 

Women Who Overcame: New Book by Cynthia L. Simmons

My guest today is Cynthia L. Simmons. Her book, Women Who Overcame just released on September 30, 2014. Cynthia tells stories of women in history who overcame with God's help. Be sure to see below to find out how you can win a copy.

 

When I saw Cynthia's back copy, I knew her book would be of interest to you. This is what she says:

Are you facing heartache? Perhaps you’re already battle weary and wonder where God is. How can you continue to believe in God’s power and love when storms invade? These ladies from the past didn’t just face the impossible, they overcame. Author Cynthia L Simmons offers historical vignettes to demonstrate trusting Jesus makes victors. You’ll be challenged and encouraged while getting a glimpse of history.

I began reading, Women Who Overcame and felt drawn in by their stories. From Queen Katherine Parr, wife of Henry the VIII in 1546; Emilie Todd Lincoln--half sister to Mary Lincoln in 1863; and Cynthia's own story of overcoming obstacles in 2008, you will discover the faithfulness of God in the midst of difficulties.

There are study questions for each chapter as well, so you can use this to discuss each woman's situation and how they overcame to become victors.
 
Cynthia, where did the idea to write, Women Who Overcame, begin?​
 
C: The Lord used history to encourage me through some very difficult times. During several trials, I began a serious research of women in history, and I wanted to share what I learned with others. If you study history you can see the outcome of decisions we make every day. Our decisions are very important, especially when life brings us challenges. Tweet This
 

Do you have a personal favorite of the stories you include in the book? What makes that story stand out for you?

C: Since I’m a retired nurse, I love the story of Princess Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse. She learned about nursing from Florence Nightingale and reached out to widows by helping them to build skills to support themselves.

 

What do you hope women will gain by reading your book?

C: I hope they will learn that it’s much better walking by faith than leaning on your own strength. And I hope they will learn more about the hope they have in Christ.

 

What word of encouragement can you offer to women who face obstacles to overcome?

C: I’ve walked through some pretty tough times. One of my stories is in the book also, and I can say God walked with me every time. Be assured, God’s right there. He won’t leave you alone.

Thanks so much for sharing your book with us, Cyndi. 

How about you? Do you have a overcomer story to share? Tweet This

Leave a comment for Cyndi and be entered to win a copy of, Women Who Overcame. Winner will be announced next week.

 

Jeanne

 

 

 

 

Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She taught for over twenty-five years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. Her writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, ECLA magazine, Christian Devotions.us, and BookFun Magazine.  Active in Christian Authors Guild (CAG), she conducts writing workshops and has served as president, vice president, and conference director. 

“Cyndi” has a heart for encouraging women in today’s crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the year.  She hosts Heart of the Matter Radio for women seeking the elegance of God’s wisdom.  To listen to her broadcasts, visit her website: www.clsimmons.com

Purchase your copy of Women Who Overcame here:

Crumbs Along the Broken Path - Book by Verna Bowman

Join the conversation for a chance to win a copy of:

 

My guest today is Verna Bowman. Her book, Crumbs Along the Broken Path, will encourage and inspire you. Verna says everybody has a story written before we were born as it’s described in Psalm 139. Be sure to enter to win a copy below.

When did the idea for this book begin? 

The idea came while writing faith stories in my journals.  My first intention was to compile the stories of God’s faithfulness through countless tragic circumstances within our family, and leave a legacy of faith for my children and grandchildren.   I think it’s important to hand down to the next generation the reason we believe, to encourage them in their own journey.

How long did it take to write it?

Longer than expected!  Three years. It’s difficult to write through the hard places we’ve lived through.  I had to revisit places in life I didn’t feel comfortable sharing.  But, through the process of writing out the broken pieces of life, I experienced wholeness that comes from realizing God was there on my path all along, from conception on . . .

 

I love the image of the scattered crumbs being God’s Presence in our lives. Give us an example of a crumb you recognized in your life and how it made you more aware of Him?

I think the “crumb” most recognized is the tremendous turning point in my faith walk when our youngest son was born with kidney failure.  It showed me an extreme side of God I hadn’t noticed before.  What I am most grateful for is to now have the ability to recognize those crumbs along my path that I didn’t notice at the time were leading me straight to the Father.  The good and the not-so-good that God uses to bring us to a deeper place with Him.

What would you like to tell women who are experiencing difficult situations right now?

God’s most powerful blessing can be the brokenness we experience in life because it leads to wholeness – it’s never in vain.  It took some time before I came to the place where I could simply surrender and ask God what I could learn while I was in the dark places.  I certainly would encourage anyone to stay close to the Word of God, to know it well enough to believe it, especially when circumstances try and shout over His voice.

Often I feel I need others to help me to notice the crumbs—have you experienced that also?

Definitely.  Years ago we lost our home due to extreme medical bills from our son’s illness.  We weren’t sure where our family could turn.  Our Bible study group that met in our home every week prayed us through the situation and offered to help us build a home, like the barn raisings of the near-by Amish community.  We didn’t know where to begin!  But, the Lord provided within that group a carpenter, plumber, electrician, and mason, the body of Christ to help us erect a home for our family.

Do you have a favorite story in the book you can share some highlights?

“IF I SHOULD WAKE BEFORE I DIE” is the story of when my husband fell into a coma following multiple strokes and cardiac arrest.  He was pronounced brain dead within twenty-four hours after being admitted to the hospital.  The social worker advised me to discontinue life support.  I told her we will wait because I know what God can do in seven days.  The seventh morning he woke up!  Of course, it was an arduous recovery for months, but I am grateful to share this among my stories of God’s goodness.

What do you hope to accomplish by sharing this message with others?

My reason for sharing my stories is the hope others will discover their own.  We all face challenges. I’ve had several opportunities to speak with wounded women over the years while being a part of Women’s Ministry who have experienced some of the difficulties I have. I’ve included a devotional question at the end of each personal story so others might look deeper into their own story.

 

Verna Bowman, a freelance writer and speaker, has been involved in ministry leadership for over twenty years.  Her work has appeared in a number of Christian publications.  Verna publishes a weekly blog, Encouraging Women One Story at a Time.  Her passion is to pass on to others her confident trust in God.  She and her husband, Jeff, have four adult children, five grandchildren, and make their home in Pennsylvania.




Verna, thank you for sharing your story with us. I know this book will bless others as they read how God has shown His faithful presence in your family.

Folks, be sure to get a copy of Crumbs Along the Broken Path. 

Verna is giving away a copy of her book. For a chance to win (U.S. only please), leave a comment for Verna...

Do you have a crumb to share? How have you experienced God's Presence in the midst of difficulty? Have you read Verna's book-how did it touch you?

And, for an extra entry, visit Verna's post to share something about your story here: http://vernabowman.com/2014/05/everybody-story/

Winner will be announced next week.

Jeanne

Tweetables:

God’s most powerful blessing can be the brokenness we experience (Click to tweet)

It’s important to tell the next generation the reason we believe (Click to tweet)

 

 

Crumbs photo credit: roboppy via photopin cc

Creatively Expressed

We're taking a quick break from our I AM series this week while I am speaking at a women's retreat.
Welcome back my friend and guest, Laurie Kinkaid. I love her impressions, brought through an artist's lens. Laurie's mind and heart are beautifully expressed through her creative ways of seeing life...

EXCELLENCE makes me cry.  Friends know that about me. Not-yet-friends learn it quickly.

Meanness angers me and self-assigned victimization just ticks me off, but EXCELLENCE in art, sports, music, engineering, most any field of worthy endeavor, makes me cry.

I’m getting better at keeping my tears in check (or wearing sunglasses) in public, but my visit to the exhibit of Marc Chagall’s works posed quite a challenge.

I AM the Light of the World

This week, we think about all that Jesus has done for us. I can't imagine what he went through. He saw His disciples scatter. He was betrayed by a friend. He was illegally tried under the cloak of darkness. And Good Friday, we remember His death on a cross.

My good friend, Pam Palagyi brings us Jesus's next I AM statement this week. He says, I AM the LIGHT. I am so glad she is my guest today.

Image courtesy of freerangestock.com

 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 

A Soft Answer

My guest today is my dear friend, Joy. She and I met a number of years ago and have been kindred spirits since. Knowing Joy brings me joy. I know she will bless you too.

 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

~ Proverbs 15:1 ESV

 

Someone I love walked away from me, answering my question softly, but harshly. The one-sided conversation continued for awhile in the other room. I couldn’t hear all that was being said, but the tone of the muttered words answer was angry, the sound more a snarl than a whisper.

I sat quietly not knowing what to say – if anything. I prefer to avoid conflict and am pretty good at it.

The muttering continued. I stayed put, but this thing started to happen in my heart. It was like every uttered syllable in the other room was stirring up anger in the same way a stick poked into a bonfire will do. Sparks floated up from the center of my being.

A sarcastic thought blew across my mind: so much for soft answers!

My intentional misuse of God’s Word did not go unnoticed in my conscience. I was urged to handle two things in my own spirit:

·        My angry, but silent response was wrong. That wrongness led me to the rightness of confession of my own sin to the Forgiver of all sin. He was as always, faithful and just. (1 John 1:9)

·        The word soft in the above verse does not mean quiet as in under your breath – I’ve known for a long that it means soft as in gentle. Or tender. See Strong’s. http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/hebrew/kjv/rak.html

When I was done silently, but boldly going to the throne, (Hebrews 4: 16) where I received mercy and grace, I forgave as I had just been forgiven (Colossians 3:13) I noticed the voice in the other room had stilled. The verbal storm had passed, and the stirring of embers was over.

I walked into the other room and was asked, “What do you want?”

“A cup of coffee,” I said with a smile that came from that forgiven and forgiving place in my heart.

I was immediately handed a cup full of my favorite brew – with a tender smile. No sparks. No anger. No snarls. Just love.

This sweet moment would not have happened in the Holy Spirit hadn’t quickly made me uncomfortable with my response. Now, if only I can remember this next time someone stirs my embers.

Has anyone stirred your embers lately?

Softly, 

                  Joy 
 

 

Joy is the author of several published books including Under His Wings - a devotional for those who love God and watch birds. She lives with her husband Jon and their two dogs on thirty-five acres of field and woods. When she's not writing, reading, or spending time with the people she loves, she enjoys photography as a hobby. 

Joy's books can be found on Amazon

 

Photo Credits:

Bonfire: © irene1601 - Fotolia.com

Cup of coffee © stefanolunardi - Fotolia.com

Enjoy one of Joy's books:

The Valentine's Day Woodpecker

Welcome my sweet sister, Laurie Kinkaid. Her insights from nature and connection to our Heavenly Father will encourage you on this Valentine's Day.

The second storm of February 2014 is gently dropping its first inches of powder. As I sit here sipping Irish Breakfast tea, winter birds frantically peck at the seeds scattered for their dining pleasure before they are covered with snow. Except for my hubby puttering with the pellet stove and fireplace, this Valentine Eve is quiet. It's comforting to sit in my office as the outdoors gets whiter and whiter.

In sharp contrast to this peaceful atmosphere, my devotional time this morning began as a skirmish over my "sin of choice". Not something you expect to see on a Christian blog, but hang in there with me. As in His conversation with Job, God's final word in our discussion is wise, creative, loving and omnipotent.

Finding God in the Depths

Lindsey Bell is joining me today and her story is one that will touch your heart. She knows the pain of losing a child--in fact she has lost several. She shares how the Lord uses our brokenness to bring new hope to our circumstances.

 

Lindsey shares her story:

3 Easy Steps for Listening to God

During my sabbatical, I want more than anything to cultivate my relationship with God. This guest post is one you will enjoy--I need to hear it myself and have taken it to heart. I am so glad Ginger Harrington is sharing this word of encouragement with us. More than anything, our Savior longs to meet with us...to speak to us...Thanks, Ginger for bringing us a word today.

 

3 Easy Ways for Listening to God

 

Ever feel like there are marshmallows clogging your ears when it comes to hearing God? We long to hear from God, but sometimes lack confidence that God will speak personally to us.

 

Hebrews 1:1 speaks to this very question that can plague our souls.

 

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son..."

 

The passage goes on to say that Jesus sustains everything by the word of His power.

 

Bottom line: God speaks through Jesus and the sustaining power of His Word.

 

Expect to Hear From God

 

Learning to listen to God comes easier when we come with the faith and expectation that He will speak to us through His Word.

 

It can be so tempting to approach having a devotional time with God (quiet time) as one more good thing to be crammed into an over-loaded day.

 

We all have to resist the Wheaties mentality..."It's supposed to be good for you..." but our hearts chase after other things.

 

Activity or Relationship?

 

When we begin to approach spending time with God as an activity rather than a relationship, we are missing the point.

 

Hearing God through the Scriptures is about relationship. Too often, we are more focused on information and performance [doing what good Christians are supposed to do]. I can only say this because I have done it -- a lot.

 

The most important things about having a Quiet Time is what God has to say, not how long I spend, or how many facts I can collect. It is a matter of the heart longing to grow deeper in relationship with the living, loving, ever-present God who specializes in grace.

 

Invited to Enter in, Just as You Are

 

Listen to the heart of God for relationship in this verse that I have rephrased in the first person: "Approach me with confidence so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of your need" [Hebrews 4:16, rephrased].

 

This come-as-you-are invitation relieves us of the feeling that we must somehow get ourselves clean and polished before coming to God. God's heart is wide open for relationship, and learning to recognize His voice breaks through the barrier of our misunderstanding and skewed expectations.

 

Begin to read the Bible as a conversation with the God who loves you more than you could ever understand.

 

3 Ways to Listen to God

 

Observation: What does it say?

Interpretation: What does it mean?

Application: What will I do about it?

 

As you read Scripture and listen, the Holy Spirit will speak, using your mind to direct attention and give insight, or sight into what He wants to say to you today. As you listen, follow the train of Spirit-led thought.

 

"But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." [John 16:13]

 

What is God saying to you today?

 

                                                      Ginger

 



Speaker, writer, and worship leader, Ginger Harrington ministers to women in a variety of ways. Encouraging women to discover practical ways to go deeper with God is an emphasis evident in her popular blog, Ginger’s Corner: Where the Spiritual Meets the Practical.  Come visit Ginger’s blog at www.gingerharrington.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gingerscorner. 

You can also watch Ginger’s videos on Youtube:

The How Not toWorship Song and My God Ears are On: Listen to Godwith Confidence.