You Raise Me Up

It's dark, the wind is blowing, I've just started my day.

 Today, we planned to have a harvest dance. Last night, our joy was turned to tears.

You know that Bible verse that talks about how there is a time to dance and a time to mourn? It's so true. There's no smoothly paved road in life. There's only mountains and valleys.

 I like the climbing mountains part, because you're strong, on top and you have a pretty good idea of what's coming ahead.

I hate valleys.

 I don't like feeling small and trapped with dark walls around me, because then I'm weak, I can't tell what's ahead and I have to trust with every step that my guide really does know the way.

Last night, a very dear family from our church lost their little boy Theodore.

He was born with many problems and disabilities, and his family embraced those difficulties to care for him. I know it was a struggle and more difficult than I can imagine, but they did it.

And now months later, he's gone.

I can't help but wonder, why? Why did they have to go through all of that. Why did it all have to end this way? Why don't I understand God's plan.

I can't see the bigger picture. I don't know what lessons God wanted this family to learn. I only know my imperfect feelings.

I know God's bigger than all of this, but sometimes living by faith is not the easiest thing in the world. Last night Theodore was made whole and given a body more perfect than any earthly body. I rejoice for him, but there is still sadness for the family left asking, "Why?".

Last night, I was listening to some different songs. For as long as I remember, when I am feeling down or saddened by the sorrows of the world, I listen to music. Soft, gentle music that reminds me of Gods great love.

There were two songs I couldn't get out of my head last night. "Blessings" by: Laura Story, and "You Raise Me Up" by: Selah. So instead of crying, I simply let my heart pour out before the Lord through the songs I listened to. And God fillen my heart with peace.

God is leading that family through a dark valley to make the mountain tops brighter. Just as He has with my family, He will lead them through this time. My guess is, there will be some "footprint" moments for this family in the days to come. Moments where rather than walking by their sides He will simly carry them.
When we can no longer stand, God will raise us up into His strong arms.

Orchestra!

Oh, the glories of the orchestra! I absolutely love listening to the music of the orchestra. I find it utterly amazing as I sit awed and transfixed on the musicians. All of those beautiful instruments playing together with such beauty and intricacy; it is so breath taking....

Picture courtesy of Microsoft Online

Okay, so can you guess? I went to the orchestra last night. It was our "Girls Night Out," so Mom, Sarah and I went with some very dear friends to see the Lake Geneva Orchestra play. The concert theme was waltzes and marches. I had forgotten what the theme was going to be so I was simply delighted when they announced the night's theme. I tell you, music does things to me! I felt like waltzing so bad I nearly wanted to get out of my seat and act like Lisle from "The Sound of Music," when she waltzes with the air. I'm not great at waltzing by any means of the word, and I very rarely ever even get a chance to waltz, but I just love attempting to waltz and listening to waltz music. Every time I hear it I feel like getting up and dancing. It was simply delightful.

They also played some fantastic marches. My favorite was "March Slav," by: Tchaikovsky. I had never heard the history behind that song. Extremely fascinating! Look it up! It completely changes the song for you. I can't lie, I have always thought it sounded rather Egyptian, not Russian, so I was completely surprised when they read the true inspiration for the song. Of course, they also played "The Stars and Stripes Forever.” I always think of fireworks and extreme explosions when I hear that song. Sometimes I get a patriotic picture in my head, but sometimes, like tonight, I picture bad explosions and buildings falling down. (It must have been the coffee.) :-)
Oh, and I forgot to mention another favorite of mine was the "Cat's Waltz." It is hilarious how the strings can make the sound of a cat meowing. I am pretty sure I have seen the Tom and Jerry cartoon that goes with this song. Here’s another funny story. They played "The Blue Danube Waltz," and they talked about how it was in the movie "Space Odyssey," (for the record, I have never seen and never plan to see this movie). I thought this was humorous because whenever I hear this song, I think of the Veggie Tale, "Madame Blueberry." Yes, I am actually admitting that at one point in my life I watched Veggie Tales. That was a very long time ago.... Anyhow, I guess we will always have connotations with certain songs that never leave us.

It was a fabulous night and I had so much fun being with my Mom, sister and friends. So that was what I did last night. I am terribly sorry that I have not been able to blog more lately. We are running out of time on our countdown till 4-H fair judging in two weeks. I also have some interviews and a competition to prepare for, as well as teaching and living regular life at home. I thank God for all of the wonderful opportunities He has given me, but I am looking forward to all this 4-H stuff being done and over with. I probably won't be blogging much in the next couple of weeks, but don't worry, I didn't disappear. :-)

God Bless!
In Christ,
Kaila

Treasure of My Heart

"Jesus, You are the treasure,

Treasure of my heart.

I'm amazed at Your beauty and all that You are;

My everything, the song I sing,

My sun, moon and stars.

Jesus, You are the treasure,

Treasure of my heart."

This is the chorus to a song that I learned a couple of weeks ago, while working at a horse camp. (The theme was storing up treasure. I think that it is a "Patch the Pirate" song, but I'm not sure.) Saturday, we Babiak ladies went to the Reformation Ladies Tea, hosted by Providence Church. (If you think like me, that would be James and Stacy McDonald's church.) The theme of the talks was "Idols of the Heart." It was an exceedingly wonderful time and I was deeply convicted by many things.

I was thinking about the above song this afternoon, and comparing the difference of having the treasure of Jesus in your heart or having an idol in your heart. Truly, it is very easy to let idols in your heart because even good and wonderful things can easily become idols. Mrs. Becky Morecraft was one of the speakers (a dear and wonderful lady) and she said something that really struck me. She said, "Christ will have all of you, or He will have none of you." As I got to thinking about this I wondered how this would apply to me. I thought, "Well, I think I have given all of myself to Christ. I mean, I've surrendered my life to Christ." It's funny how quick and prompt God is to reveal to you the truth about yourself. God gave me this picture of how I had been withholding myself from Him.

Imagine on your wedding day, a day you have waited for with great excitement and anticipation, your future spouse came up to you and told you, "I am all yours except for this one little part of my heart. Don't worry, this little piece is only for the occasions when I want to have a little fun, or you aren't giving me everything that I want. You get everything else; I'm only keeping this little part for myself." I thought, "That would be horrible! I would never ever want that to happen." Then God showed me how I had been just like that. True I have surrendered my life to the Lord, but every now and then, when I am a little unsatisfied and discontented, I take back just a tiny piece for myself. It may be so small, maybe just daydreaming about my future or trying to plan how I want my life to turn out, because I don't feel like trusting God. Just a little thing can quickly turn into an idol.  Even good things, like dreaming of a future spouse can quickly turn into an idol if we are not trusting in God, and making sure that He is the treasure of our hearts. Even love can become an idol if we are yearning for the wrong kind of love.

"Christ will have all of you or He will have none of you."

This rather scared me, because it is so easy to reserve even small, teensy parts of our hearts for other things rather than God. I still think about the future, I still think of my future spouse, but the important thing is that I am clinging to Christ and putting my trust in Him. Rather than dreaming of my special someone, I need to be praying for him that God will strengthen him and prepare him to be the leader he will have to be. I cannot afford to let these dreams become an idol in my life. Of course, there are other things that will try to become idols in our lives; things like money, cleanliness, obedient siblings, quiet...yes, I know even I can idolize peace and quiet sometimes, but that doesn't change the fact that it is wrong.
Jesus is to be the treasure of our heart. He is our all in all. He died on the cross, saved us from our sins, gave us eternal life; if He never did anything else at all for us that would be enough. (That was something mentioned by Mrs. Morecraft as well.) Let's not idolize over earthly things, even good things, and let us make sure that Jesus is the treasure of our hearts.

Anyways, we had a wonderful time at the tea. Every speaker had such wonderful words to share. I was convicted and exhorted. It was wonderful. We also had a great time getting to know the Serven ladies better as we shared a table with them. They are delightful and it was so nice fellowshipping with them. Vision Forum sells C.D.'s of their family teaching you how to sing in 4-part harmony. These are the C.D.'s that have helped my family begin learning how to sing in parts. Click here to see their family blog.

God bless and remember to make sure that Jesus is your treasure!
In Christ,
Kaila

Mood Swing

My family and I love to have fun with music. Whether it be singing "Dixie" like a bunch of chipmunks, pretending that we are attending a Scottish wedding with all of our instruments ("Mairi's Wedding"),  singing "In the Sweet By and By" Southern style, or trying to sing in octaves not meant to be sung by voices like our own; we love to have fun with our music. So in this Babiak spirit of musical enjoyment, I thought I would give you a special treat. You see, when my creative juices get running...well...let's just say, interesting things happen. :-) This song is one of them. One of the songs I have known for about ten years, one of them I just learned recently, and one of them I worte. (At least I think I wrote it. I have a tendancy to play things by ear that I think are original and then I find out that they really are not. I have changed the tune enough that I think it's safe to call it original.) See if you can figure out which one it is.

I have named it "Mood Swing," because each song switches the mood. (Rather self explanitory I think.)

Songs: 1. "Fluttering Leaves"

2. "Sonato Ops. 2 No. 3"

3. "Mapel Leaf Rag"

4. "Vipsania"

5. "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

6. "Fluttering Leaves" repeat.

So I purposely did not put the authors. See if you can figure out which one is mine. In fact, for an even more fun challenge, see how many of the authors you can figure out.

If you think that you have guessed which one I wrote, see if you can figure out the inspiration behind it.

Have fun!

In Christ,

Kaila

At Last! I've Found One!

I don't know about you, but I'm one that loves to find out that I live in the same area, am related to, share a birthday with etc. famous people. I just find it to be quite fun... well most of the time... until I found out some of the people I share birthdays with. Anyways, we discovered that we live around the area of this composer named Joseph Philbrick Webster, better known by his two most popular songs, "In the Sweet By and By," and Civil War song "Lorena." We have been studying "In the Sweet By and By," as our hymn this month, which is fantastic because all of the history is local. What's even better is that most of the history is from the time of the Civil War, so we've been studying the war in our area. Very fascinating stuff!

Back to Webster; this guy wrote tons of songs, including many Civil War songs. Being that he was a composer, he mainly wrote the music and not the words, but there are a few where he wrote both.

Click here to see a website full (and I mean FULL) of songs that he composed and wrote. If you click on the title you can hear the music, and if you click on the authors name, you can read the words.
Some of my favorites, (how can you possibly pick a favorite out of all of them?) are "The Irish Volenteer," "Lorena," "We Are But Young," "New Star Spangled Banner," "Mother Can I Go?" I could list off tons more, but you get the idea. I really like alot of his songs. It takes a while to get through them all, but oh is it worth it!

It's propably easy to see that I am excited to have found a well known (somewhat) composer from my lovely state and county, and I am even more thrilled to have found one that writes such good songs.
I hope you enjoy them as I do!

In Christ,
Kaila

Be Still My Soul

By: Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel
1697-1768

---

---

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

---

I was having a hard time today. There was alot of spiritual warfare going on in my mind and I was not at peace. It seems as though Satan glories in my mistakes and continues to remind me of them endlessly when I sin. He knows when I am weak and wounded and takes advantage of it. I was really struggling this evening and decided to turn on a C.D. of hymns. The first song was "It Is Well With My Soul," and then "Be Still My Soul." It was as though the Lord was strengthening and comforting me in my trials. I still felt down, but I no longer felt as though I was being taunted within.
I thought about how two years ago I probably would have tried to wash out my frustrations by turning on a song that spoke of my frustrations. Rather the Lord, in His great mercy, allowed me to hear a song that would comfort me and give my weary soul rest. How sweet it is to dwell on the Lord. He is the great comforter and deliverer. No matter how Satan may taunt and bring us down, the Lord faithful will remain and lead us to a joyful end.
"Be still my soul," it's a good reminder of Christ's power over the sin in our lives. He cleanses us and heals us from our unrighteousness. What a wonderful Savior.

In Christ,

Kaila

Music of the War of 1812

We've been studying the War of 1812 in school as of late. 'Tis very interesting! I have learned about it before, but never as in depth as this time. There is so much to learn. One thing I realized from this study is that Americans like to make themselves look good and the opposing side to look bad. I would have never guessed that we Americans ever did anything wrong after reading what some people write in books. I am so glad there are at least a few people out there who are willing to show our failures and wrongs, as well as our triumphs and glories!

Anyways, this is supposed to be about music... someday I have got to start a history blog! There are quite a few songs from the War of 1812. One in particular being our National Anthem, which Francis Scott Key began writing on my birthday! (Okay, so it was written a few years prior to my birth.) :-) One of the most important types of music of that time was the music of the fifers and drummers. The songs these brave lads played, signaled the soldiers to do different things, from getting up, to advancing on the enemy. One drummer boy named Jarvis Hanks enlisted at the age of fourteen as a drummer boy.  He wrote about the terrors of battle and the danger that the musicians faced.

Probably the most well known song of the War of 1812, is the Star Spangled Banner. Francis Scott Key wrote this song while on board a British war ship. He witnessed the attack made on Fort McHenry through the night of September 13th. He watched and waited till dawn, and then on the glorious morning of September 14th, through the smoke and the "rockets red glare" and "bombs bursting in air," he saw the "broad stripes and bright stars" that were "so gallantly streaming." And just think, all of that on the wonderful date of September fourteenth, my birthday! I like history, what can I say?

The War of 1812 also witnessed a lot of naval battles for which songs were written. Songs like, "Chesapeake and Shannon," "The Constitution and the Guerriere" and "Ye Parliament of England," sang of these naval battles. Be sure to click on the song titles and read the words. I especially liked "Ye Parliament of England."

"The Hunters of Kentucky" tells about the battle at New Orleans, where General Andrew Jackson led the Americans in defeat against the British. The battle took place after the war was supposed to have ended, but since news traveled slow they didn't know that until after the battle.

Some other great songs are, "The Patriotic Diggers" and "How Happy the Soldier". The latter was written during the Revolutionary War, but became popular again during the War of 1812. Of course, there were many other songs written and sung at that time. These are just a few that I learned about and enjoy. If you have any other favorites for this war, please share them.

We have much to thank God for in the history of our nation. More people ought to study the true history and read the true stories behind what happened. It is amazing to see God's great, sovereign providence in the history of the United States of America.

Just remember, the most well known and important song from the War of 1812, was the one written on my birthday. Now that's something worth blogging about.  (Just Kidding!)

In Christ,
Kaila

April 15, 1912 - Nearer, My God, To Thee

On April 14, 1912, the impossible and unthinkable happened; the RMS Titanic sank. She was a glorious ship, built so well that she would never sink. Her testimony is one of God's great power over man, as He sank the ship that couldn't be sunk. In the chaos and terror that followed the Titanic's crash into the iceburg, the sound of a hymn could be heard through the screams. "Nearer, My God, To Thee," was played by the ship's band during the final moments before the ship sunk into the icy cold depths of the ocean. I can only imagine the hope it must have given to those who would soon be with Christ. This song must have meant far more to the Christians on board that ship, than I could ever imagine until I reach death's doors.

I can picture it; shivering cold, sitting in a lifeboat, watching as the sparks fly, the people run and scream, the ship slowly sinking lower and lower down into the sea, and yet through the screams and screeching, the sound of this hymn lilts over the water, calming those on board awaiting their certain death. I know this scene has been depicted in films - I've never watched any of them - but, I can see it clearly in my head. If ever there was a time that a simple hymn did wonders, it must have been on board the Titanic. Imagine with me, will you, that you are on board the Titanic, fearful of your certain death, and yet peaceful in the knowledge that you will soon be with God, far nearer to Him than you ever could be on this earth. Now read the words to this hymn...

Nearer, My God, To Thee

By: Sarah F. Adams

Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!

Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone.
Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God to Thee.

Refrain

There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given;
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly,
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee.

Refrain

There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest,
There in my Savior’s love, perfectly blest;
Age after age to be, nearer my God to Thee.

Refrain

In Christ,

Kaila

Depth of Mercy

Here is a beautiful story that I found on Cyber Hymnal that goes with the song Depth of Mercy. Tis a wonderful story that goes with a wonderful song.

An ac­tress in a town in Eng­land, while pass­ing along the street, heard sing­ing in a house. Out of cur­i­o­si­ty she looked in through the open door and saw a num­ber of peo­ple sit­ting to­ge­ther sing­ing this hymn. She list­ened to the song, and af­ter­wards to a sim­ple but ear­nest pray­er. When she went away the hymn had so im­pressed her that she pro­cured a co­py of a book con­tain­ing it. Read­ing and re-read­ing the hymn led her to give her heart to God and to re­solve to leave the stage. The man­a­ger of the the­a­ter plead­ed with her to con­tin­ue to take the lead­ing part in a play which she had made fa­mous in other ci­ties, and fi­nal­ly he per­suad­ed her to ap­pear at the the­a­ter. As the cur­tain rose the or­ches­tra be­gan to play the ac­com­pa­ni­ment to the song which she was ex­pect­ed to sing. She stood like one lost in thought, and the band, sup­pos­ing her em­bar­rassed, played the prel­ude over a se­cond and a third time. Then with clasped hands she stepped for­ward and sang with deep emo­tion:

“Depth of mercy, can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?”

This put a sud­den stop to the per­for­mance; not a few were im­pressed, though many scoffed. The change in her life was as per­ma­nent as it was sin­gu­lar. Soon af­ter she be­came the wife of a min­is­ter of the Gos­pel.

Sankey, pp. 134-5

Depth of Mercy
By: Charles Wesley
Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear,
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Filled with pangs unspeakable,
I, who yet am not in hell!

I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
And profaned His hallowed Name,
Put Him to an open shame.

Whence to me this waste of love?
Ask my Advocate above!
See the cause in Jesus’ face,
Now before the throne of grace.

Jesus, answer from above,
Is not all Thy nature love?
Wilt Thou not the wrong forget,
Permit me to kiss Thy feet?

If I rightly read Thy heart,
If Thou all compassion art,
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Pardon and accept me now.

Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood!
He disarms the wrath of God;
Now my Father’s mercies move,
Justice lingers into love.

Kindled His relentings are,
Me He now delights to spare,
Cries, “How shall I give thee up?”
Lets the lifted thunder drop.

Lo! I still walk on the ground:
Lo! an Advocate is found:
“Hasten not to cut Him down,
Let this barren soul alone.”

There for me the Savior stands,
Shows His wounds and spreads His hands.
God is love! I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps and loves me still.

Pity from Thine eye let fall,
By a look my soul recall;
Now the stone to flesh convert,
Cast a look, and break my heart.

Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my sins lament,
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more.

A Passion For Thee

A Passion For Thee

By: Joe Zichterman

Set my heart, O dear Father,

On Thee, and Thee only,

Give me a thirst for Thy presence divine.

Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly,

Purge me from earth;

Turn my heart after Thine.

Chorus:

A Passion for Thee;

O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God.

Hear Thou my prayer,

Lord, Thy power impart

Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

Father fill with Thy Spirit, and fit me for service,

Let love for Christ ev'ry motive inspire;

Teach me to follow in selfless submission,

Be Thou my joy and my soul's one desire.

Chorus

This song is the prayer of my heart. I first heard it a few years ago at one of our Bright Lights meetings. Whenever I sing it, I think of how my heart's one desire is to love God more and more each day. In a world full of cares and distractions it is easy to set our hearts on other things besides God. For me, it's easy to set my heart on my dreams and the plans that I make, but I have come to realize that God is the author and finisher of my faith and it is He who will do work in my life. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He will give thee the desires of thine heart." I used to think that this meant if I was a Christian, God would give me the things I wanted most. But, that is not what the psalmist was saying. "Delight thyself in the Lord..." If I am delighting in the Lord, I will have a passion for serving Him, for obeying His laws, for loving His Word, etc. Then my desire will be for God's perfect plan to be fulfilled in my life. I will desire to glorify God. I will desire to further His kingdom.
I want to love Christ above everything else. I pray that He would keep my focus on loving Him wholly, because He has given me everything; Life, breath... everything. I can do NOTHING for Him. Anything that I do, is really only Christ working through me. Therefore, I, with my own power, cannot love God. That is why I must pray, and beg Him to fill me with His love; to give me a love and passion for Him greater than anything else in my life.
The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. My motive for everything that I do, should be to bring glory to God. Oh, this hurts! So often I fall short and find myself doing things for other reasons than to glorify God. That is why I must pray, "Let love for Christ ev'ry motive inspire."
I could go on and on about this song that has become another one of my favorites. I've been thinking about it alot lately because I played it for my piano recital. May this prayer of mine become your prayer too. I pray God fills us with love and a passion for Him. We must strive to quit putting our hopes and desires on other things than Christ. Let Him be the motive for all we do and say!
In Christ,
Kaila

Love at Home - John Hugh McNaughton

1.  There is beauty all around, When there’s love at home;
There is joy in every sound, When there’s love at home;
Peace and plenty here abide, Smiling sweet on every side,
Time doth softly, sweetly glide, When there’s love at home.

   Refrain 1:
Love at home, love at home; 

    Time doth softly, sweetly glide,
When there’s love at home.

2.  In the cottage there is joy,  When there’s love at home;
Hate and envy ne’er annoy,  When there’s love at home;
Roses bloom beneath our feet,  All the earth’s a garden sweet,
Making life a bliss complete,  When there’s love at home.

   Refrain 2:
Love at home, love at home;
Making life a bliss complete,
When there’s love at home.

3.  Love becomes a way of life,  When there’s love at home;
Sweet, insistent end to strife,  When there’s love at home;
Glad submission each one’s gift,  Willing pledge to love and lift,
Healing balm for every rift,  When there’s love at home.

   Refrain 3:
Love at home, love at home;
Healing balm for every rift,
When there’s love at home.

4.  Anger cools and pressures cease,  When there’s love at home;
Children learn to live in peace,  When there’s love at home;
Courage to reach out in grace,  Meet a stranger face to face,
Find a reconciling place,  When there’s love at home.

   Refrain 4:
Love at home, love at home;
Find a reconciling place,
When there’s love at home.

5.  There’s no question you can’t ask,  When there’s love at home;
There is strength for any task,  When there’s love at home;
Sharing joy in work or play,  Confidence to face the day,
Knowing love will find a way,  When there’s love at home.

Refrain 5:
Love at home, love at home;
Knowing love will find a way,
When there’s love at home.

6.  Kindly heaven smiles above,  When there’s love at home;
All the world is filled with love,  When there’s love at home;
Sweeter sings the brooklet by,  Brighter beams the azure sky;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high  When there’s love at home.

Refrain 6:
Love at home, love at home;
Oh, there’s One who smiles on high
When there’s love at home.

7. Jesus, show Thy mercy mine, Then there’s love at home;
Sweetly whisper I am Thine, Then there’s love at home.
Source of love, Thy cheering light Far exceeds the sun so bright—
Can dispel the gloom of night; Then there’s love at home;

Refrain 7:
Love at home, love at home,
Can dispel the gloom of night;
Then there’s love at home.

This is the hymn we have been studying in school this month. I have learned so much about love. I guess I just never realized how much there was behind true Christ-like love. We did a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 (you can click here to access it) and I was humbled at the lack of Christ-like love in my own life. I knew that I didn't have perfect love as Christ did, I just didn't realize to what extent. It is always good to be brought down to the reality of our sin. Without it, we would never see our need for a Savior. Of course, we have learned alot of other things, (this song is loaded) but the big topic for me was love.

Another song we have been learning is "The Fear of the Lord" by: Joseph Hart. Oh, is it a powerful song! When I have time I will type out the lyrics to share.

Anyways, I'm terribly sorry about the long wait for a post. I've been very busy lately. I was in a piano recital yeasterday and... well you can just look at my Mom's blog to read about our business. I won't go into detail. Perhaps I will put up a video from the recital.

In Christ,

Kaila

A Preface To All Good Hymn Books - Martin Luther

Having a great love for music, I naturally have a great love for poetry - good poetry that is. I love reading it, singing it, reciting it and in truth, the only thing I don't like about it, is the fact that I cannot write it. Some people are just so amazingly gifted with a poetic tongue and sadly, I am not one of them. One of those gifted people was Dr. Martin Luther who wrote the powerful song, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. While going through some boxes of books, (a common occurrence in our household) my Mom came across a small book of stories from the life of Martin Luther. In the book, there are several poems that he wrote, but this one was my favorite (naturally). It is called "A Preface To All Good Hymn Books," and it honestly should be the preface to all hymn books.

Lady Musick Speaketh.
Of all the joys that are on earth
Is none more dear nor higher worth,
Than what in my sweet songs is found
And instruments of various sound.


Where friends and comrades sing in tune,
All evil passions vanish soon;
Hate, anger, envy, cannot stay,
All gloom and heartache melt away;
The lust of wealth, the cares that cling,
Are all forgotten while we sing.


Freely we take our joy herein,
For this sweet pleasure is no sin,
But pleaseth God far more, we know,
Than any joys the world can show;
The Devil’s work it doth impede,
And hinders many a deadly deed.


Se fared it with King Saul of old;
When David struck his harp of gold,
So sweet and clear its tones rang out,
Saul’s murderous thoughts were put to rout.


The heart grows still when I am heard,
And opens to God’s Truth and Word;
So are we by Elisha taught,
Who on the harp the Spirit sought.


The best time of the year is mine,
When all the little birds combine
To sing until the earth and air
Are filled with sweet sounds everywhere;
And most the tender nightingale
Makes joyful every wood and dale,
Singing her love-song o’er and o’er,
For which we thank her evermore.


But yet more thanks are due from us
To the dear Lord who made her thus,
A singer apt to touch the heart,
Mistress of all my dearest art.
To God she sings by night and day,
Unwearied, praising Him alway;
Him I, too, laud in every song,
To whom all thanks and praise belong.
Translation byCatharine Winkworth.
Public Domain at The Online Library of Liberty

Is that not an absolutely beautiful poem? It just captures the essence and purpose of music in an absolutely wonderful way! I love the line which says, "Where friends and comrades sing in tune, All evil passions vanish soon..." It is such a true line. I feel this way when we sing A Mighty Fortress Is Our God in church. It is such a powerful song that it just draws you right in... at least for me.

To God she sings by night and day,
Unwearied, praising Him alway;
Him I, too, laud in every song,
To whom all thanks and praise belong.

In Christ and for His Kingdom,
Kaila

Peace

Peace; quiet, serene, lovely peace. If only we could always live in a peaceful garden, complete with roses, butterflies, big puffy clouds…you get the picture. Reality quickly jumps to inform us that this picture of peace is not realistic and the world is quite willing to hand you an artificial “make love not war” kind of peace instead. But Biblically, this is not peace. True peace from God is not based on man's natural desires and inclinations, but rather on tranquil contentment and satisfaction in knowing that God is in control and that He has a far greater plan than we could ever imagine. This kind of peace will last far longer than the world's fake peace because it is of God and given by God to man.


We must first understand that true peace is of God. If God is not a part of our “peace,” then it cannot truly be peace. It is only temporary happiness. Philippians 4:6-7 say, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This verse tells us that if we make our requests known to God in prayer and supplication that God’s peace will keep our hearts and minds. We won’t have to lay in bed at night worrying or crying from a broken heart because God’s peace will “keep” our heart and mind through times good and bad. Unfortunately, most people only believe that there is peace in good times. They do not realize that they are fooling themselves and it is because of this belief that so many of them break down or become depressed during the bad times.


Since peace is of God, it is only through Him giving it to us that we can obtain it. “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11) “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) God is the giver of peace. The ceasing of war, the stopping of murder, the end of a President’s term in office etc. will not bring peace. God, and God alone, can give true peace and His peace is “not as the world giveth.” The world can give you all sorts of “peace.” Just read the lyrics to a song called “Imagine,” by John Lennon.


"Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try,
No hell below us, above us only sky,
Imagine all the people, living for today.
Imagine there's no countries, it isn't hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too,
Imagine all the people, living life in peace.
You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.
Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world. "


Peace given to us by God is the only true and lasting peace regardless of what the world may say.


Another characteristic of peace is that, because peace is of God and given by God, it will not be given to every person on earth. “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people…” (Psalm 85:8 emphasis added) “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” (Psalm 119:165 emphasis added) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Those that love God’s love, make known the desires of their hearts to Him, and ultimately are His children, will be given peace. A true Christian who loves God with all of their heart, soul and strength, will have no reason to worry, but will have total and complete peace in knowing that their Heavenly Father has it all worked out. These are the people who will have peace.


Peace is a wonderful gift from God. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world that naturally hates God. There will be many fake and artificial types of peace offered by those of the world, but we must keep in mind that these types of peace are only temporary and are truly, not even peace at all. The peace of God is long lasting and beautiful. Don’t let it slip away.

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Kingsfold

One of my absolute favorite tunes to play on my penny whistle is the Kingsfold tune. There have been many songs written to this tune including many beautiful hymns. I was just shown another hymn set to this tune by my mom. You can click on the link below to read the lyrics and listen to the song. The words are truly incredible!

I Once Was Ignorant of Grace

To read a short informative history on the tune go the below link.
KINGSFOLD

Kingsfold is also the tune to one of my favorite Christmas carols, "O Sing A Song Of Bethlehem." This song tells the story of Jesus' life here on earth. I love singing it and playing it on the piano and the penny whistle. In November I was able to play it with a few other friends and my brother for the prelude at our church. It sounded even more beautiful when played with other instruments. It was also my first time playing my penny whistle in front of anyone other than my family, so it was a very neat experience.

"O Sing A Song Of Bethlehem"
By: Louis F. Benson
O sing a song of Bethlehem, of shepherds watching there,
And of the news that came to them from angels in the air.
The light that shone on Bethlehem fills all the world today;
Of Jesus’ birth and peace on earth the angels sing alway.

O sing a song of Nazareth, of sunny days of joy;
O sing of fragrant flowers’ breath, and of the sinless Boy.
For now the flowers of Nazareth in every heart may grow;
Now spreads the fame of His dear name on all the winds that blow.

O sing a song of Galilee, of lake and woods and hill,
Of Him who walked upon the sea and bade the waves be still.
For though like waves on Galilee, dark seas of trouble roll,
When faith has heard the Master’s Word, falls peace upon the soul.

O sing a song of Calvary, its glory and dismay,
Of Him who hung upon the tree, and took our sins away.
For He who died on Calvary is risen from the grave,
And Christ, our Lord, by Heaven adored, is mighty now to save.

In Christ and For His Kingdom,
Kaila

My Favorite Thanksgiving Song

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
By: Henry Alford

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field, fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown unto joy or sorrow grown.
First the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day all offenses purge away,
Giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store in His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.