“More Than Wonderful” – Musical Musings in March

March 24th, 2016 dsisler

 

When you hear the word “more,” what do you think about? We usually use the word “more” to modify another word. More food. More money. More time. More energy. More snow (ha, ha…just kidding). For the most part, when we use the word “more,” we are lacking something and want an extra amount of what it is we are lacking.

 

The Macmillan Dictionary tells us that more is “an amount or number that is larger than another, larger than it was before or larger than you expected.”[i]

 

We see this in Scripture as well. Take a look at a few:

 

  • More valuable – Matthew 6:26
  • More powerful – Mark 1:7
  • More given – Luke 11:13
  • More fruitful – John 15:2
  • More blessed – Acts 20:35
  • More reconciled – Romans 5:10
  • More than we ask or imagine – Ephesians 3:20
  • More credited to our account – Philippians 4:17
  • More grace – James 4:6

 

God has blessed us with more than we can imagine in more ways than I can begin to mention here.

 

But what it really comes down to is the gift that God gave when He sent Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sin. Jesus is “more.”

 

The song I’ve chosen to share today speaks directly to Jesus and how He is more than our words used to describe Him. He is more than wonderful or amazing or marvelous. So today, let’s sing this beautiful song with Sandi and Larnelle and agree with them that Jesus is more to you and me than we can ever express with mere words.

 

“More Than Wonderful”[ii]

 

He promised us that He would be a counselor
A Mighty God and the Prince of Peace
He promised us that He would be a Father
And that He would love us with a love that would not cease.

Well, I tried Him and I found His promises are true
He’s everything He said that He would be.
The finest words I know could not begin to tell
Just what Jesus really means to me.

Chorus:

For He’s more wonderful than my mind can conceive
He’s more wonderful than my heart can believe
He goes beyond my highest hopes and fondest dreams.
He’s everything that my soul ever longed for
Everything He’s promised and so much more
More than amazing, more than marvelous
More than miraculous could ever be
He’s more than wonderful, that’s what Jesus is to me.

I stand amazed when I think that the King of glory
Should come to dwell within the heart of man
I marvel just to know He really loves me
When I think of who He is, and who I am.

(Chorus)
 

Click here for this wonderful version by Sandi Patty and Larnelle Harris.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Macmillan Dictionary, http://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/more.

[ii] “More Than Wonderful,” words and music by Lanny Wolfe, Lanny Wolfe Music, 1982.

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“My Beloved” – Musical Musings in March

March 23rd, 2016 dsisler

 

I’m back! We had an uneventful drive from Colorado to Ohio…and back again. Visited with family and friends. Attended my nephew’s concert of Celtic music (which was pretty awesome) and learned about a mission organization in Ireland. Watched my niece’s production of Lion King Jr (words are inadequate to describe how marvelous this was). Planned and prepared for my son’s wedding. And the purpose of the trip, to be part of the wedding (yes, this was the best of the best)!

 

Wedding FlowersIt was beautiful. The flowers. The music. The ceremony. The guests. The reception. All of it.

 

I wanted to enjoy this day. I continued to tell myself to enjoy all the happenings. Of course, there were times I got caught up in the craziness of the day, but at one point at the reception hall, I remember stopping and thinking, “Wow! This is beautiful!” It was then that I paused and found myself so blessed in that moment.

 

I began watching the guests, my son and his bride. I was touched by their love and kindness. I was blown away by words and actions. These moments are precious and are etched in my heart to remember and ponder as the years go by.

 

In the midst of the day, I was reminded of the love Christ has for His beloved, His Bride. The love between Philip and Heather was a reminder of how Jesus looks at you and me. And His love for us is magnified immeasurably more than the love we encounter here on earth.

 

John 3:16 (NIV) reminds of us God’s great love for mankind. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

 

And Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV) is another reminder of Christ’s love. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

 

The song I share with you today is one we use at Praise in Motion quite often. It is a gentle reminder of Jesus’ love for each of us. And in the midst of the craziness of our world, these words and this music is exactly what we need to hear.

 

Jesus is singing over you. Jesus delights in you. Jesus covers you with His peace. Jesus restores your soul. All He asks of you is to come away with Him. Do you believe? Will you accept His offer? Are you ready to be made whole?

 

“My Beloved”[i]

 

You’re my beloved, you’re my bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

 

Under my mercy come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you my child

 

You’re beautiful to me
So beautiful to me

 

I sing over you my song of peace
Cast all your care down at my feet
Come and find your rest in me

 

I’ll breathe my life inside of you
I’ll bear you up on eagle’s wings
And hide you in the shadow of my strength

 

I’ll take you to my quiet waters
I’ll restore your soul
Come rest in me and be made whole

 

You’re my beloved, you’re my bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love

 
Click here to listen to this beautiful piece of music.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “My Beloved,” words and music by Kari Jobe and Klause Kuehn, Gateway Create Publishing, Integrity Praise! Music, 2005.

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Wedding Music – Day 12

March 22nd, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“O for a Thousand Tongues” – Musical Musings in March

 

Daytona Beach 021mYou may think I’ll be sharing the hymn by Charles Wesley written in 1739. And while that particular hymn has some beautiful words, I’ve chosen to jump ahead a few hundred years to the 1983 song, titled with the same words.

 

Both of these songs agree with King David that praising God is never-ending. Praise to God should be part of our life. Take a look at Psalm 35:28 (NIV). It says, “My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.”

 

Regardless of the version you choose, these songwriters felt inadequate in their praise to God. If a thousand tongues or hands were available, it still wouldn’t be enough.

 

And our problem as humans is that we use our tongues for other purposes. James tells us that “no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8 – NIV). James goes on to tell his readers that “out of the same mouth come praise and cursing: My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:10 – NIV)

 

Under these circumstances, I don’t need a thousand tongues to get me into trouble. One will do just fine.

 

I know that on my own, my tongue is an evil weapon. But with God’s Holy Spirit, I am able to “put off falsehood and speak truthfully” (Ephesians 4:25 – NIV) and “not let any unwholesome talk come out of my mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29 – NIV).

 

So today, I chose to use my one and only tongue to speak truth, encourage others, and to praise God!

 

Today, I also chose the newer version of this song for the close harmonies and awe that fills my heart when I hear it. “O for a Thousand Tongues,” for no other purpose than to sing praise to Jesus.

 

VERSE 1
Glory to the Lamb
Whose throne forever reigns.
God in the highest
Worthy to merit our praise.
 

CHORUS
Oh for a thousand tongues to sing
Praises unto Thee.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
 

VERSE 2
We crown You with singing.
Our lips shall utter Your praise.
In humble adoration,
In endless refrain.

REPEAT CHORUS
 

TAG
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
Oh for a thousand hands to raise
In honor to the King.
In honor to the King![i]

 

I know you’ll want to listen to this beautiful song, as recorded by the Nelons by clicking here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “O For a Thousand Tongues,” Words and Music by David Binion, Word Music, 1983.

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Wedding Music – Day 11

March 21st, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” – Musical Musings in March

 

I love to sing old hymns. They were part of my life for so long. So when I hear a hymn from my past, I’m always taken back to the moments of my youth. This is one of those hymns.

 

I grew up in a minister’s home. We lived in the Bible belt and all seemed to be going well. I had friends. The church was growing (as far as this 7 year-old could tell). I was happy in my little, rural world.

 

Until my Dad and Mom said, “we’re moving.” We packed up our belongings, moved in with my grandparents for six months and my Dad and Mom raised financial support to go to Upstate New York and start a new church.

 

At the time, there were very few Christian Church/Church of Christ churches in Upstate New York. My Dad heard the call and we were on the mission field.

 

I have admired people through the years who have joined my parents on the mission field. Whether it was in the continental United States or across the world, the people I’ve come to know and love that have chosen to live in an area outside their norm is admirable. And I believe, God notices as well.

 

Jesus’ last words to His disciples and to us are found in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV). Jesus asks that we “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

 

Until two years ago, I had believed that God’s use for me in this area was through my local church and my home. Teaching those who would listen. Share God’s love with my family and neighbors. I was pretty satisfied with what I had been doing.

 

I believe, however, that God saw it differently. He wanted me to experience SE Asia. He wanted me to experience how the Gospel was shared in that part of the world. He wanted me to “go.”

 

The possibility of going again excites my soul. I am anxiously awaiting the words, “it’s a go.” So what am I waiting for? For God to gather a team of touched hearts for the mission field. I know that if He can touch me the way He did, He can do it again. So I’m waiting.

 

I only have to wait another 10 days or so…then I’ll know if I’m going to SE Asia again. So until then, I’m praying for God to do His work. I’m praying that God will touch lives here in America as well as SE Asia. I’m praying for the workers doing God’s work on the mission field. I’m praying that God will continue to soften my heart for the work He still has planned for me.

 

You may be reading this and wondering what you might do. First you can pray with me. Next you can ask God if this is something you should consider for yourself. And third, you can begin making plans to help financially when/if I return to SE Asia in June.

 

I love being surprised by God. I love how He opens doors. I love how He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Perhaps He wants to use you for something wonderful. Keep your eyes and ears open. God will show up.

 

So today’s tune is “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.” And what a story it is. It isn’t for those in your “little part of the world.” It is for the whole world! Now let’s share it!

 

“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”

 

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.

 

Refrain

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.

 

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword.

Refrain

 

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigns up above
Has sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love.

Refrain

 

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God.

Refrain[i]

 

If you’d like to listen to this wonderful hymn, click here.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations,” Words and Music by H. Ernest Nichol, The Sunday School Hymnary (London: 1896).

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Wedding Music – Day 10

March 20th, 2016 dsisler

 

I am heading to my son’s wedding and will be pretty busy over the next week or so. I ask that you extend a few things on my behalf:

 

  • The ability to re-post some music that I’ve shared in the past.
  • Prayer for safe travel.
  • Prayer for my son, Philip and his bride, Heather.
  • Joy and presence in each moment.

 

I’ll remember you and pray for you each day. Until we meet again…

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

“The Butterfly Song (If I Were a Butterfly)” – Musical Musings in March

 

front porchI don’t know that I’ve shared any children’s music in my musical musings, but this genre has also had a huge impact on my life. The song I share with you today is one such song.

 

“The Butterfly Song” was written in 1974 and has caused children to squeal through the years. My introduction to this tune was in high school while visiting friends at a nearby church. And then I heard it again in college while teaching young children in Sunday School. The kids loved it!

 

I shared this cute little song about thanking God for who we are with my children. We’d sing it for hours. My kids would giggle. They received the message loud and clear that God loved them, that He had a special plan for their lives and that they were made just the way God wanted them.

 

The years have passed and now I have the opportunity to share this same message with my grandkids. My oldest grandchild Joy loved the motions and silliness of the song. However, she’s outgrown it.

 

So imagine the thrill my heart feels when Percy, my 3 year-old grandson wants to sing this song. He does the motions and he sings the parts he can. He giggles too. But remember the message? God has a plan for their lives. God loves them. God made them just the way they are.

 

How important it is for little ones to hear this message. Obviously as they grow older this message must be shared in other ways, but this is a great start.

 

The lyrics below are to this tune. I know alternate verses with more creatures, and even these animals have managed to move around when we sing this song, and the melody isn’t quite like this recording, but that’s what makes it unique. Sing it the way you know it. Sing it like you believe it. Thank the Father for making you just the way you are.

 

“The Butterfly Song (If I Were a Butterfly)”
 

If I were a butterfly
I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings
If I were a robin in a tree
I’d thank you Lord that I could sing
If I were a fish in the sea
I’d wiggle my tail and I’d giggle with glee
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

 

CHORUS
For you gave me a heart and you gave me a smile
You gave me Jesus and you made me your child
And I just thank you Father for making me, me

 

If I were an elephant
I’d thank you Lord by raising my trunk
If I were a kangaroo
You know I’d hop right up to you
If I were an octopus
I’d thank you Lord for my fine looks
But I just thank you Father for making me, me

 

If I were a wiggly worm
I’d thank you Lord that I could squirm
If I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear
I’d thank you Lord for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair
If I were a crocodile
I’d thank you Lord for my great smile
But I just thank you Father for
making me, me[i]

 

You’ll enjoy listening to this children’s song by clicking here. Enjoy!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “The Butterfly Song (If I Were a Butterfly), Words and Music by Brian M. Howard, 1974.

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    "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe." Ephesians 1:18-19


    I am a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. I lived in the beautiful state of Colorado for 20 years where I found great inspiration for my novels and devotional writings. Currently living in southwest Ohio.

    I am passionate about helping women find their way to Jesus through Bible study, teaching, speaking, inspirational writing and creative Bible journaling.

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    In September 2012 I went to SE Asia on a service trip. For more information, check out preachitclearly.blogspot.com.

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