HELLO.......

...anyone home?? It seems unusually quiet in Blogville these days! Counting down to giveaway.....19 days to go, and the odds are looking pretty good!

First Ever Giveaway

I guess the best way to promote a blog is to have a give away, and since this blog has been up and running for over a year, it's about time I had one! So here it is!

To enter, just make a post about the giveaway on your blog, and link to this post. For a second entry, add the Songs Of Faith Button and link to your side bar. Leave a comment here to let me know.

Since I have a few things to give away, I've decided to let the winner choose their gift from one the following:

1. I've Been To The Mountain - songbook

2. Where The River Leads - cd

3. Sail On - cd

The winner will also receive a bonus gift of Sheet music for 10 songs that aren't in the songbook (pdf)

2nd place will also receive the 10 songs

I'll make the draw and announce the winners in one month, November 21st.



Thanks for taking part! ~~~Deb

Charity Collection

Although I haven't managed to get any recording done, I have already begun putting together another collection of songs. All of these songs touch on the theme of Charity- forgiveness, being of one accord, and reaching out to others in our service for the Lord. Again, the song list is subject to change, if or when I get closer to recording, but these are the songs the Lord has put on my heart the past few months. Some were written several years ago, some are more recent. I'll be posting the lyrics as I have time.

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Charity

1. Charity

2. Forgiveness (previously recorded)

3. Make Things Right

4.Words Fitly Spoken

5. Forgiveness Flows Gently

6. Seventy Times Seven

7. Sitting In The Window

8. Fan The flame

9. What A Work The Lord Can Do

10. Where Will You Leave Your Glory?

11. Let Jesus

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~~~Deb

Let Jesus

Let Jesus be your Lord, is my constant prayer for you,
and may you always seek God’s wisdom,

knowing his word is true.

Let Jesus be your refuge from the struggles of this world.
Let Jesus be your strength, for the arm of flesh will fail.
Let Jesus be your Shepherd to guide you with his light.
Let Jesus be your rock and salvation, for in him alone is life.

Trust Jesus in your trials, for he will bring you through,
and may you give God all the glory in everything you do.

Let Jesus be your refuge from the struggles of this world.
Let Jesus be your strength, for the arm of flesh will fail.
Let Jesus be your Shepherd to guide you with his light.
Let Jesus be your rock and salvation, for in him alone is life.

Let Jesus be Lord.

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Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Psalm 62: 6,7 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

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This is my prayer for all of my children. Unfortunately, I haven’t always put this prayer into practice in my own life. I’ve often failed to seek God’s wisdom, even though I know his word is true. I haven’t always trusted him during the trials of my life, choosing instead to find my own way through. I’ve looked to others to be my refuge, rather than hiding my life in Christ. I’ve too often depended on my own strength, in spite of past failures. I’ve stumbled through dark days, while my Shepherd was waiting to guide me. I’ve tried to build on sinking sand instead of standing on the solid rock. There have been too many times that I’ve allowed the dead man inside me to take control, when it’s only in Jesus that I have life. I’m ashamed that I haven’t been a better example, and I pray that as my walk with the Lord grows closer, my children will see that Jesus truly is Lord of my life, and will want that for themselves.

Where Will You Leave Your Glory?

Where will you leave your glory

when you leave this world behind?
Where have you given your heart and soul?
Where have you spent your time?

Will it be in the souls you led to Christ;

in the children you have raised?
Will it be in a work you’ve done for the Lord;

in the difference your life made?
Or will your glory stand as a monument

that towers above your grave;
made by a man with marble and stone,

on a base of wood and hay?

Where will you leave your glory,

when you leave this world behind?
Where have you given your heart and soul?
Where have you spent your time?

Will it be in the houses and land you own;

in the money you have saved?
Will it be in the work you’ve done for the world;

in the name that you have made?
Or will your glory stand as a heritage,

extending beyond your grave,
made by a man in service to God,

on his faith in Jesus Christ?

Where will you leave your glory,

when you leave this world behind?
Where have you given your heart and soul?
Where have you spent your time?

What have you done for the Lord?

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Isaiah 10:3 d ...and where will ye leave your glory?
1 Corinthians 3:12,13 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Matthew 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
2 Corinthians 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

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When people tour my parents’ garden, my dad often will dig up a bit of a perennial for them to take home to plant. Although they could probably make a substantial amount of money selling their plants, my dad prefers to give them away. One day he jokingly said, “I’d rather have the glory.” I knew what he meant...the reward that comes from freely sharing our bounty and our gifts far outweighs any monetary reward the world might give. Of course the ultimate gift that we can share is our faith in the Lord, and it’s often those little kindnesses toward others that open the door to share that gift.
Shortly after my conversation with Dad, I heard a message called, “Where Will You Leave Your Glory?” I smiled, knowing I would soon be writing this song. Money and possessions are only temporary, and a monument in a cemetery will one day crumble, but we can lay up treasure in heaven by the way we live each day.
　
　

What a Work the Lord Can Do!

We’re siblings in a family, and at times we disagree,
but we’re here to serve our Saviour; there’s no time for rivalry.
God has placed us in this family, each with talents for his use.
If we all support each other, what a work the Lord can do!

What a work the Lord can do,

when we speak with love and grace;
When we lift each other up, and don’t need to be first place.
What a work the Lord can do, when we’re all in one accord;
When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we’re guided by his word.
　
We’re runners in this life’s race, and we’re looking for the prize,
but we’ve lost sight of our Saviour, if we’ll push someone aside.
God has placed us on our own track,

and he’s mapped out each one’s route.
If we’ll all just run our own race, what a work the Lord can do!

What a work the Lord can do,

when we speak with love and grace;
When we lift each other up, and don’t need to be first place.
What a work the Lord can do, when we’re all in one accord;
When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we’re guided by his word.
　
We’re soldiers in God’s army, contending for the faith.
We’ve been called to serve our Saviour;

stand for mercy, truth and grace.
God has placed us in this company;
we must help each other through.
If we’ll march as one together, what a work the Lord can do!

What a work the Lord can do,

when we speak with love and grace;
When we lift each other up, and don’t need to be first place.
What a work the Lord can do, when we’re all in one accord;
When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, and we’re guided by his word.

What a work the Lord can do!

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Philippians 2:3,4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Colossians 3:12,13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Proverbs 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
Luke 17:1 Then said he unto his disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come.

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God has created each of us with our own unique personality and he has given each of us specific talents. He doesn’t expect or want us all to be the same, or to serve him in exactly the same capacity. However, he does require that we serve him together, in our local church. Some are called to positions of leadership, while some of us are given ‘supporting roles.’ When we work in cooperation, not competition, what a work the Lord can do!

Fan the Flame

A young boy listens enraptured to the stories he’s told.
Declares with excitement, the message of old.
With no fear of men, his preaching is bold.
His heart is untarnished by the ways of this world.

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Fan the flame! Never let it grow cold.
Fan the flame! Stir those embers ‘till they glow.
Fan the flame! Keep it burning for the Lord.
Fan the flame! Set a blaze across the world!

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A young girl hastens to help out; doesn’t wait to be told.
Sings out with such passion, her praise to the Lord.
With love, and through tears, she tells of God’s word.
Her heart is so burdened with the needs of this world.

~~~~~
Fan the flame! Never let it grow cold.
Fan the flame! Stir those embers ‘till they glow.
Fan the flame! Keep it burning for the Lord.
Fan the flame! Set a blaze across the world!
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They are so tender and open for God’s hand to mold.
So eager to serve him, whatever the roll.
Oh, kindle the fire in each youthful soul,
and pray they stay yielded to the Spirit’s control.

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Fan the flame! Never let it grow cold.
Fan the flame! Stir those embers ‘till they glow.
Fan the flame! Keep it burning for the Lord.
Fan the flame! Set a blaze across the world!

Keep it burning for the Lord!

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Hebrews 3:13a But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day;
Acts 14:22a Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith,

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Our son, Justin, has always shown an interest in the things of God, but to see him, at the age of eight, prepare to preach a message for his Sunday School class was amazing! I couldn’t have been happier. Around the same time, a young lady in our church was preparing for service on the mission field. As I watched her around our church, she was always busy; helping out wherever she could, and taking time to play with all the little children. It’s a wonderful thing to see a child or teenager who is on fire for the Lord, and not something to be taken for granted. Praise God when a young man wants to get up before the congregation and preach the word! Get excited when a young person declares that God has called them into full time service as a missionary or preacher! Even the desire of a small child to sing and recite memory verses for the Lord should thrill the hearts of parents. It’s so important to kindle that fire; that passion for the Lord! Our kids and young people need all the encouragement they can get.

Sitting In the Window

He’s sitting in the window, checking out the view;
wondering which way he should go, questioning what is true.
He’s sitting with one foot in, leaning further out.
Feeling the tug of some sin, he’s giving in to his doubts.

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Someone’s sitting in the window, choosing for eternity.
A view of the Saviour is their heart’s greatest need.
To see his grace and love shine through you and me,
May pull them through that window to faith that sets them free.

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She’s sitting in the window, seeing things so new;
Feeling so very alone, desiring what is true.
She’s peaking in from the world, edging further in.
Feeling the tug of the Lord, she’s longing for peace within.

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Someone’s sitting in the window, choosing for eternity.
A view of the Saviour is their heart’s greatest need.
To see his grace and love shine through you and me,
May pull them through that window to faith that sets them free.

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Help pull them through that window to faith that sets them free.

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Acts 20:9a And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus,

So many kids who grow up in church go through a period of questioning and doubting. Some of them feel like they are missing out, and are drawn to the world. They’re in church, but they’re on the verge of walking away. Saved or lost, these kids are about to make a decision that will have lasting consequences. On the other hand, there are kids who have not been raised in church, and know very little, if anything about God or Christ. Some have experienced pain and rejection, even abuse, or perhaps they just have the feeling that something is missing in their life. Sometimes those kids have an opportunity to visit church, or to spend time with a Christian family. Whether they are looking out, or peaking in from the world, these kids all have the same need; Jesus Christ! They need to see that the love of Christ is real. Seeing the Lord at work in our lives may be what makes the difference in which way they choose to go.

Seventy Times Seven

There's a brother who has stumbled

on jagged rocks along the way.

He's angry and he's hurt;

lashing out just brings more pain.

As he struggles for a foothold

through this dark and lonely place,

what he needs is for God's people

to reach out in love and grace.

Seventy times seven is how oft we're to forgive.

Are we weary in well doing?

Did we forget what Jesus said?

Can't we bear another's burdens,

and restore the fallen down?

Can't we take the stones we're holding

and cast them to the ground?

There's a sister who is weeping

and wondering how things went so wrong.

She's lost her hopes and dreams,

and she's trying to be strong.

But the world just keeps on spinning,

though her life has been laid waste.

What she needs is for God's people

to reach out in love and grace.

Seventy times seven is how oft we're to forgive.

Are we weary in well doing?

Did we forget what Jesus said?

Can't we bear another's burdens,

and restore the fallen down?

Can't we take the stones we're holding

and cast them to the ground?

There are soldiers who are wounded;

some for right and some for wrong.

They've tried to fight the fight,

but the enemy's so strong.

They feel beaten and deserted;

years of service wiped away.

What they need is for God's people

to reach out in love and grace.

Seventy times seven is how oft we're to forgive.

Are we weary in well doing?

Did we forget what Jesus said?

Can't we bear another's burdens

and restore the fallen down?

Can't we take the stones we're holding

and cast them to the ground?

Seventy times seven, Lord Jesus, teach us how

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Matthew 18:21, 22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Forgiveness Flows Gently

Like a stone thrown in a river,

the wounds of a friend or a foe
should cause but a little ripple,

then be lost in the water’s flow.

Forgiveness flows gently from Jesus

on the billows of his living stream,
When I rest in the strength of his meekness,

forgiveness flows gently through me.

Like my footprints by the ocean,

all trace of the teardrops I’ve cried
will last but a passing moment,

washed away by the ebbing tide.

Forgiveness flows gently from Jesus

on the billows of his living stream,
When I rest in the strength of his meekness,

forgiveness flows gently through me.

(bridge) From the depth of Jesus love

flows a wellspring in my heart,
giving power to overcome,

and strength to rise above.

Forgiveness flows gently from Jesus

on the billows of his living stream,
When I rest in the strength of his meekness,

forgiveness flows gently through me.

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1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Psalm 25:9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
Ephesians 4:1-3 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God great price.

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I think when people hear the word meek, they sometimes mistake it for the word weak. In reality the two words couldn’t be more different. When I think of meekness, I think of a person with great patience, who is able to endure difficult circumstances without reacting adversely; someone who has compassion and empathy, and the ability to stay calm and even tempered, no matter what comes. That is not to say they don’t feel emotions such as hurt and rejection, but that they have a strength that makes them able to forgive and to let those feelings go without holding onto a bitter spirit.
How I long to be a person of meekness! I know that in Christ, that depth of character is possible. If only I could learn to rest in him, and draw on his strength in every situation, he would give me the power to walk through any ordeal with grace.

Words Fitly Spoken

When you see someone hurting, do you say,

“Friend, come let’s pray,”
and do you share their burden, and brighten up their day?
Do you give some comfort, as God’s word you share,
or do you ease their heartache, by showing that you care?

When you heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
you’ll never have regrets for the choices you have made.
And you may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a loved one who’s estranged keeps weighing on your heart,
don’t let the moment pass; just call or send that card.
You’ll quickly mend some fences

when you heed that still small voice,
for there’s no wound or chasm too deep for God’s great grace.

When you heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
you’ll never have regrets for the choices you have made.
And you may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

When a long forgotten friend suddenly comes to your mind,
don’t push that thought aside; don’t say I’ll waste my time.
A friendly hand extended may just help someone in need,
so kindle an old friendship, and allow the Lord to lead.

When you heed the Spirit’s prodding

to share God’s love and grace,
you’ll never have regrets for the choices you have made.
And you may never know what a few words fitly spoken,
may do to lift the load of one who’s heart is broken.

You can make a difference with a few words fitly spoken.

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Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Philippians 2:1,2 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

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I have to confess that this is an area where I need to do better. I’m never quite sure what to say when someone has lost a loved one, or they’re coping with a serious illness. My heart goes out to them, and I pray for them, but those ‘words fitly spoken’ don’t always come out when I want them too. I know there have been times in my own life when it would have helped to just have someone come and offer to pray. Just knowing that someone cares enough to lift us up in prayer makes our burdens that much easier to bear.
There have also been times when someone has come to my mind, and I’ve planned to send a note or a card, but never did. I’ll never know what the Lord had planned, because I didn’t heed his prodding.

Make Things Right

So many times I stumble over hurt and wounded pride.

So many times I fail to look to Jesus as my guide.

I take my eyes off him, and dwell on each small slight,

forgetting that forgiveness is the way to make things right.

Lord, help me let go the hurt, and put bitterness aside.

Renew a right spirit within me; let Joy and peace abide.

Give me a tender heart, and teach me to forgive.

Lord, help me make things right, each and every day I live.

So many times I'm humbled by such mercy shown to me.

So many times I fail to see the way your eyes would see.

I'll set my eyes on you, and dwell within your light.

Forgiving and forgetting are the way to make things right.

Lord, help me let go the hurt, and put bitterness aside.

Renew a right spirit within me; let joy and peace abide.

Give me a tender heart, and teach me to forgive.

Lord, help me make things right, each and every day I live.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness, precious gift of God.

Forgiveness, promised in his word.

Jesus paid the price, became the sacrifice,

when he laid down his life for me on Calvary.
For so long I’d spurned God’s grace; hiding from his face.

But in his mercy he opened up his arms and drew me in.

When I was lost, undone, with nowhere else to run,

I found forgiveness and now have peace within.

Forgiveness, precious gift to me.

Forgiveness, God’s love pardoned me.

Jesus cleansed within, my heart so stained with sin,

when I reached out and took the gift he offered me.

For so long I’d spurned God’s grace; hiding from his face.

But in his mercy he opened up his arms and drew me in.

When I was lost, undone, with nowhere else to run,

I found forgiveness and now have peace within.

Forgiveness, precious gift to share.

Forgiveness, answer to my prayer.

Jesus gave to me, such joy, such victory,

when I learned to forgive as he forgiveth me.

For so long I’d spurned God’s grace; hiding from his face.

But in his mercy he opened up his arms and drew me in.

When I was lost, undone, with nowhere else to run,

I found forgiveness and now have peace within.

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Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.Luke 7:47a Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven;Psalm 86:5 For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

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Forgiveness was previously recorded on the cd Only God Is Able, but will also be included in the Charity collection.

Charity

I may speak the word with power,

understanding all mysteries.

I may have faith to move a mountain;

sacrifice my everything.

But I am just as sounding brass

if I have not charity.

I am just a tinkling cymbal

if God's love can't flow through me.

For charity is kind and endures all things;

never seeks her own, but hopes and believes.

Charity rejoices in the truth, and never fails.

When all else has ceased to be, then abides charity.

May I live a life of meekness,

showing mercy in every deed,

and may my faith be moved to action,

reaching out to those in need.

And may I have abounding grace

toward every soul I meet.

I am nothing without Jesus,

and his gift of charity.

For charity is kind and endures all things;

never seeks her own, but hopes and believes.

Charity rejoices in the truth and never fails.

When all else has ceased to be, then abides charity.

I am nothing without charity.

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Based on 1 Corinthians 13

Worship Collection: My Reason To Sing

My Reason To Sing
Nothing Can Compare
Abba Father
Unto My King
I Will Sing
Come And Rest
But God
He’s My All In All
I Will Call On You
She Loved Much
There’s More To Come
Until The Break Of Day

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These are the titles that I am hoping to record next. There are a couple that I'm not completely sure I want to include, so it may change as I go along. Usually I end up writing a new song during the recording process that goes with the theme, so that could also change the final version!

I've posted the lyrics below, and also links in the sidebar. I hope to record within the next six month, God willing.