Category Archives: Music

A Rabbit Trail of Joy

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I have recently stumbled onto the rabbit trail that is the Jesus music of the early 1970s. This was no doubt spurred on from the wonderful new film, “Jesus Revolution.” I didn’t become aware of contemporary Christian music until the 1980s, and so there is a whole catalog of sonic greatness out there to discover. And I have thoroughly enjoyed it…. the unbridled joy, the rawness of the recordings, the energy. I like the fact that they are not perfectly produced and engineered. They feel immediate, and very real. People excited about their new faith in Jesus. Here are a few gems I have been listening to. If you know of others to suggest for my rabbit trail listening pleasure, feel free to suggest! Have a blessed day! Lisa

Love Song, “Little Country Church,” 1972
Mustard Seed Faith, “Sweet Jesus Morning,” 1975
2nd Chapter of Acts, “Jesus Is,” 1971

*I listen to 2nd Chapter of Acts all the time but had never heard their early songs from the 70s. This is their first single; the lead singer is 13-year-old Matthew Ward before his voice changed, along with his sisters.

Postscript….If you haven’t seen “Jesus Revolution” yet, we heartily recommend it!

Thankful Thursday

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My soul agrees and resonates with the joy in this song. The moment where I knew that Jesus forgave all my sins and set me free was profound. I cried many tears of relief, gratitude, love. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Katy Nichole, “Jesus Changed My Life”, 2023

If you are weighed down by guilt, remorse, anxiety, lay it down at the cross. You can start again. Blessings, Lisa

Stand By Me

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Stand By Me, written by Charles Albert Tindley in 1905, is an absolutely beautiful hymn. I discovered it like many others by hearing Elvis Presley’s cover of it recorded in 1966. But many other singers have recorded it over the years, probably the other most well-known being the Staple Singers in 1961. Here are the original lyrics as written by this Methodist preacher:

When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me, like a ship upon the sea,
thou who rulest wind and water, stand by me.

In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
In the midst of tribulation, stand by me.
When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,
thou who never lost a battle, stand by me.

In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
In the midst of faults and failures, stand by me.
When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand,
thou who knowest all about me, stand by me.

In the midst of persecution, stand by me.
In the midst of persecution, stand by me.
When my foes in battle array, undertake to stop my way,
thou who saved Paul and Silas, stand by me.

When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When I’m growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When my life becomes a burden, and I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
O thou Lily of the Valley, stand by me

c1905 Charles Albert Tindley

I listened to this yesterday while I was alone. I turned it up, closed my eyes. Truth, raw honesty, beauty. I cried tears, but they were tears of soul washing, of dependence, of trust in our Mighty and Powerful God.

If you have a moment alone today, I encourage you to do the same.

If I can ever pray for you, please let me know.

Blessings, Lisa

Bound to Come Some Trouble

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I’m not sure who might need to hear this, but here it is. This is a song that has helped me on many occasions, and I’m sure will help me again on many more.

I am thankful for all of you, any of you who read this blog and encourage along the way. I pray that all of you have a blessed thanksgiving, whatever it is you choose to do. Peace of Christ to you all, Lisa