“Happy, Happy, Happy” – Musical Musings in March

 

When I first heard this song, I smiled. A big smile. It’s fun. It’s energetic. It is one of those songs that can pull you out of the dumps and lift your spirits.

 

Now while there are some fun elements to this song, there is a message here for us.

 

We know there will be all kinds of trouble in this world (John 16:33), but we’ve been given several ways to help with all this trouble.

 

We can acknowledge that Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).

 

We can acknowledge that Jesus gave us God’s Spirit to help us in our times of trouble (John 14:16-17; John 14:26; John 16:13).

 

We can acknowledge that through faith, troubles will produce fruit in our lives (James 1:2-4).

 

We can acknowledge that fear is driven away by love (1 John 4:18).

 

We can acknowledge our trust in God is far better than our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

 

We can acknowledge that Jesus will never leave or forsake us (Matthew 28:20b).

 

Knowing all of this helps to live a life filled with joy and peace. And yes, even happiness.

 

Take a look at the lyrics below and then be sure to listen to this fun song. And remember; smile!

 

“Happy, Happy, Happy”[i]

 

Sorrow and pain, there’s all kinds of things
In our life that try to bring us down
Faith not fear, always draws Him near
And trusting frees my spirit I have found
It makes me . . .

 

Chorus
Happy, Happy, Happy
Happy, Happy, Happy
I have the joy of the Lord down in my soul
I’m so
Happy, Happy, Happy
Happy, Happy, Happy
Jesus saved my life and gave me hope
I love Him so

 

Joy and peace, His love has set me free
Praising Jesus everywhere I go
Life free from care, because He’s always there
No worry of tomorrow and it shows.
It makes me . . .
(Chorus)

 

Bridge
He is my Savior, He is my King,
He fills my heart with joy so I can sing
It makes me . . .

(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to Sunday Drive sing “Happy, Happy, Happy.”

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

 

[i] “Happy, Happy, Happy,” words and music by Jeff Treece, SundayDriveBand.com, 2014.

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“Grace Wins” – Musical Musings in March

 

Grace. This little word is so encouraging to me (and I pray it is to you as well). The simple definition of grace is “unmerited favor,” but some scholars have suggested that grace envelopes all of who God is and covers the entire expanse of time as we know it. Not such a little word, is it?

 

joyIn the Book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us of God’s grace.

 

  • Grace comes from God – Ephesians 1:2
  • Grace is glorious – Ephesians 1:6
  • Grace is part of God’s riches – Ephesians 1:7
  • Grace has saved us – Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8
  • Grace is part of the incomparable riches God has lavished upon us – Ephesians 2:7
  • Grace was imparted to Paul – Ephesians 3:2; Ephesians 3:7; Ephesians 3:8
  • Grace has been given to us – Ephesians 4:7
  • Grace has been given to “all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” – Ephesians 6:24

 

These are just a few ideas from Scripture about grace. But what I believe we can see here is that even if we believe we are the chief of all sinners (as Paul did in 1 Timothy 1:15), God blesses us with His grace. He extends unmerited favor upon us.

 

Now if this isn’t something to get excited about, I don’t know what is. I pray that you will find comfort in knowing that God’s grace is greater than all of your sin.

 

The song I’ve chosen today shares this idea as well. “Grace Wins” is a fun, uplifting song of the truth about grace. I pray that you’ll enjoy this song as I have. Because remember, grace wins! Every time!

 

“Grace Wins”[i]

 

Verse 1

In my weakest moment I see You, shaking Your head in disgrace

I can read the disappointment, written all over Your face

 

Verse 2

Here come those whispers in my ear, saying “who do you think you are?”

Guess you’re on your own from here, ‘cause grace could never reach that far

 

Pre-Chorus

But in the shadow of that shame, beat down by all the blame

I hear You call my name saying “it’s not over”

And my heart starts to beat so loud now, drowning out the doubt

I’m down but I’m not out

 

Chorus 1

There’s a war between guilt and grace, and they’re fighting for a sacred space

But I’m living proof, grace wins every time

No more lying down in death’s defeat, now I’m rising up in victory

Singing hallelujah, grace wins every time

 

Verse 3

Words can’t describe the way it feels, when mercy floods a thirsty soul

The broke inside begins to heal, and grace returns what guilty stole

 

Chorus 2

There’s a war between guilt and grace, and they’re fighting for a sacred space

But I’m living proof, grace wins every time

No more lying down in death’s defeat, now I’m rising up in victory

Singing hallelujah, grace wins every time

 

Bridge

For the prodigal son, grace wins. For the woman at the well, grace wins

For the blind man and the beggar, grace wins. For always and forever, grace wins

For the lost out on the streets, grace wins. For the worst part of you and me, grace wins

For the thief on the cross, grace wins. For a world that is lost

 

End

Ev-‘ry time

Yeah, I’m living proof, grace wins ev-‘ry time

 

Want to listen to this song? Click here!

 

GRACE and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Grace Wins,” words and music by Matthew West, Atlas Holdings, Highly Combustible Music, House of Story Music Publishing, 2015

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“That’s Important to Me” – Musical Musings in March

 

A couple of pretty special ladies have passed away over the past few days. Nancy Reagan died yesterday. She will be missed by those who were closest to her, but she will also be missed by our nation. She touched many lives.

 

???????????????????????????????And then, Joey Feek passed away on Friday. While Nancy’s passing was very private, Joey’s was not. The world knew many details of her fight against cancer and her death. And they knew about her faith in God.

 

There are many songs I could have chosen today to remind us of life and death, or faith, or living a good life, but I’ve chosen one by Joey and Rory to help us remember what is really important in our lives.

 

So I have to ask the question. What is important to you? And once you’ve determined what is important to you, what steps are you taking to keep these important things at the surface all the time?

 

Here is a short list of things that are important to me:

 

Truth

So much hinges on this word. Truth. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit within us to help with this one. “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13a – NIV)

 

Faith

This is a big one. Without my faith, I don’t believe I could make it through a single day. I’m not the only one. Just read Hebrews 11 if you think this isn’t important.

 

Family

I am so blessed to have a family who has pointed me toward Jesus. They have encouraged and disciplined and blessed me in more ways than I could express. How thankful I am for all I’ve learned from them. But equally as important to me is being part of God’s family. “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.” (Ephesians 2:19-20 – NIV)

 

I’ll stop here. But this is just an idea of what I’m asking you to do today. Think about what is really important to you and do what you have to do to keep it first and foremost in your life. Because to be honest, life is short. It doesn’t matter if you’re 40 or 94 years old, life is short.

 

Today’s song is one of Joey and Rory’s and is a reminder of what is important. I pray that you will find encouragement through their words today.

 

“That’s Important to Me”[i]

 

Not planning our day around a tv set
Paying our bills and staying out of debt
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

 

Openin’ the windows and lettin’ in air
Holding hands when we’re saying a prayer
That’s important to me
Yea, that’s important to me

 

Having somebody to share my life
Loving my husband, and being a wife
And the very best mother I can be
That’s important to me

 

Telling the truth, and being real
Feeding my family a home cooked meal
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

 

Planting a garden and watching it grow
Keeping it country on the radio
That’s important to me
Yea, that’s important to me

 

Always having you to hold,
Being beside you when we grow old
And they plant us ‘neath that big old tree
That’s important to me
Always having you to hold
 

Believing our dreams will take us somewhere
Still bein’ ourselves if we ever get there
That’s important to me
That’s important to me

Yea, that’s important to me
That’s important to me
 

Click here to listen to this beautiful song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “That’s Important To Me,” words and music by Joey Martin, Rory Feek and Tim Johnson, 2005

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Proverbs 3:5-6

 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

 

pathWhat precious words from Scripture. Knowing that God has whatever we face today is pretty remarkable. Hold on to these words. Believe them. Trust Him. God has it.

 

Today I want to share a repeated blog post. It’s one of my favorite songs and I pray that you will be uplifted by the message.

 

“He’s so Good to Me” – Monday Musical Musings

 

Music has had such a huge impact on my life and I find myself wanting to write about a song, a composer or singing group more than a few times per year. So I’ve decided to create Monday Musical Musings. I will now dedicate Monday’s to share the ways I’ve been touched by music. I look forward to it!

 

There is a little piece of music that I’ve heard a couple of times in the past two weeks that is so enjoyable. The music is toe-tapping good. The lyrics are simple and yet hold great meaning.

 

I have found it quite difficult to find this song, the lyrics and even the person who wrote this wonderful piece. But after much searching, I’ve finally found the right lyrics, the right person who wrote it and a version you can listen to.

 

“He’s So Good to Me”

 

Oh sweet Jesus, my Lord and Savior.

He gives sight to eyes of blindness;

Caused me to see.

How I love Him.

I adore Him.

There’s no other Friend I’ve found;

Who gives grace where sin abounds

And I’m rejoicing;

He’s so good to me.

 

I am on my way to heaven;

For my sins have been forgiven.

And it’s all because my Jesus loves me;

And He’s so good to me.[i]

 

Now you’ll love this version of this song if you lived through the 1970’s. I knew several guys with suits just like this group! So now that I’ve built it up, you’ll not want to miss this one. However, if you’re like me, you’ll have this tune stuck in your head (and your heart) for a while. So click here if you want an uplifting experience.

 

As a side note, the Calvarymen Quartet was the group singing the version I heard on the radio. If you get a chance to hear their version, you’ll really be blessed.

 

There are a few reasons to rejoice as listed in this song. Let’s take a look at them.

 

Jesus – “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his king will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33 – NIV)

 

Lord and Savior – “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10-11 – NIV)

 

Restoration of sight – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

 

Friendship – “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made know to you.” (John 15:14-15 – NIV)

 

Grace – “But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6a – NIV)

 

Heaven – “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3 – NIV)

 

Forgiveness of sin – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Ephesians 1:7-8 – NIV)

 

Jesus loves me – “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.” (John 3:16 – NIV)

 

Goodness – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 – NIV)

 

If these were the only reasons we have to rejoice, we would have quite a list! However there are plenty more found in Scripture. But this is a great start. If you are searching for a reason to rejoice today, rejoice for these blessings we’ve received from God our Father, His sweet Son, and the Holy Spirit.

 

Because of the goodness we have received, we too can say, I love Jesus. I adore Jesus. He deserves nothing less. The Apostle John knew of Jesus’ goodness first hand. He mentions in 1 John 4:19 (NIV) that because He loved us, we love. “We love because he first loved us.” We are called to love others and are able to do so because of the love God gave us.

 

For sure, God has been so good to me. I pray that you know His goodness and that you can say the same. If not, maybe today is the day to accept His goodness and His gift of salvation. Then you can tell others of how good God has been to you.

 

I now have a brighter outlook on Monday’s. Sharing my love of music brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face. If you have a favorite song that you’d like me to share, please let me know. I’d be happy to do so.

 

Have a blessed Monday and let’s rejoice today for all the goodness we’ve received!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “He’s So Good to Me,” Lari Goss, Goss brothers Music Company, 1974

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“Saved by Grace” – Musical Musings in March

 

Here I sit on an early Saturday morning recalling all the wonderful promises, gifts and blessings God has passed along my way. I have a wonderful family. I have a great job (a ministry really). I live in the best place in the United States (if you didn’t see U. S. News & World Report just released the best places to live in the U.S. and two of the top five were in Colorado…yes, I can really make this statement!). I am healthy. I have a beautiful home.

 

Now let’s move on to the spiritual blessings I’ve been given. I’ve been made alive in Jesus Christ. I am adopted into the family of God. I receive God’s strength in my weakness. Jesus will return to take me to a place He has been preparing. My sin and shame have been tossed into the deepest depths of the sea and God doesn’t remember them. Of course there are many more, but I’ll stop with this last one. I’ve been saved by grace.

 

Paul tells us these words in Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV). “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

 

Even though I have all of these blessings listed above, before Jesus became the Lord of my life, there was really nothing to boast about. I was just like the recipients of those who heard Isaiah’s words. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 – NIV)

 

It is only by God’s grace that I have been saved. The before and after picture is pretty remarkable.

 

So today, let’s think about the grace that God has given and the fact that we are saved by His grace. And we might as well take a look at a great song to go along with this idea. “Saved by Grace” is an uplifting, fun reminder that God’s grace is greater than all our sin. You can believe and you can hold on to the truth.

 

Take a look at the lyrics below and then click on the link at the end to have a listen. But most of all, remember that you have been saved by God’s grace!

 

“Saved by Grace”[i]

 

I was alone in the darkness, I could not find my way
then Jesus shined a light on me and turned all my night to day

 

Chorus:
Saved by grace, I’ve been saved by grace
My name is in the book of life and my sins are washed away
Saved by grace, I’ve been saved by grace
It’s not what I’ve deserved but I’m saved by grace

 

When I reach that city, the gates swing open wide
I’m gonna sing redemption’s story, of how He brought from the other side
(Chorus)

 

Click here to listen to the Triumphant Quartet sing their version of this song.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Saved by Grace,” Words and music by Carol McGruder, Rex Nelon Music, BMI and Chris White Music, 1988.

 

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