Christmas

 

SWEET LITTLE JESUS BOY

          Few of the many songs of Christmas so directly and profoundly share the personal appeal of Jesus Christ as "Sweet Little Jesus Boy".

          The song is mistaken by many to be an old American spiritual song sung by the slaves of the South in the 19^th Century.  But it was really written in 1934 by white American composer, Robert MacCimasey (1898-1979).

          Born in Louisiana, MacGimsey was a lawyer who wrote what folks of his generation often called "black music".  He was actually raised in the company of black domestric help who gave him a rich background in the gospel music of the South.  It is said that his childhood caregiver, who he called Aunt Becky, would sing spirituals to him as a baby.

          It is said that he wanted this song to echo the sentiments of black Christians in the Civil War era.  He pictured an aging black man, whose life had been filled with poverty and injustice, "standing in the middle of a field just giving his heart to Jesus in the stillness."

          He was influenced by his circumstances one snowy Christmas Eve in New York City as he was walking past some noisy nightclubs.  He saw inebriated patrons whose celebrations had no connection with Jesus Christ and why He came.   He wondered how people could be so disconnected to the real message and history of the season.
          The lyrics of his song represent the deeper expressions of most Christians during this season.  They begin with the telling of how Christ, as a child and later as a man, would not be accepted by the world.  And as an apology to Jesus his lyrics repeat the phrase "We didn't know who you were."  He says "Didn't know You'd come to save us, Lord; To take our sins away.  Our eyes was blind, we couldn't see.  We didn't know who you was." Are things much different today?

          Though performed live on the radio for many years, "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" was made most famous in 1955 when it was released by famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.  Since her recording, various artists have recorded and performed this song in various ways.  It since has been a favorite of both large and small choirs.

          As we listen to this song, may we be challenged anew this holiday season of the truth of the One who came here as a baby to eventually become our Savior.  May we understand who He is and that He came to save us all, take our sins away and give us new life.

 

Sweet little Jesus boy, born in a manger

Sweet little Holy child, 

we didn't know who You were

Long time ago it seems, You were born

Born in a manager Lord, 

sweet little Jesus boy

Didn't know you'd come to save us all

To take our sins away

Our eyes were blind we did not see

We didn't know who You were

 

You have shown us how 

And we are trying

Master, You have shown us how

Even as You were dying

This world treats You mean, Lord

Treats me mean too

But that's how things are done down here

We didn't know it was You

Didn't know You'd come to save us all, 

to take our sins away

Our eyes were blind, we did not see

We didn't know who You were

 

Listen to it here.    SWEET

 

CHERISH THAT NAME (TH)

TIMELESS HYMN  - Another revised and repeated blog of one of the great hymns of the faith originally shared here on December 14, 2008.  

          Few things hurt me as much as hearing the name of the Lord taken in vain.  Unfortunately to more and more folks today the name of our Lord is nothing more than a curse word.  

          To most of us our name is one of the  most precious possessions we have.  Our name often seems to define us and our reputation.  We are hurt when folks make fun of it or use it in a derogatory way - something many experience, especially as children.  

          And so it hurts deeply when our Saviour's name is used in swearing or in a mocking way.  It is a beautiful name, full of deep, significant meaning.  It is a wonderful name that brings salvation.  It is a matchless name and none can compare.  That name is Jesus. Unfortunately today fewer people even know who Jesus is.  Even fewer have a relationship with Him. 

          Years ago my sister, sister-in-law, and wife sang as a women's trio.  They were excellent and their voices blended so well. One of my favorite songs which they sang was "Cherish That Name". The composer is Lanny Wolfe who  wrote over 700 songs, 14 musicals, and has recorded over seventy projects.   

          At the Christmas season I especially think about this song and its powerful message.  But it is a name and message that we should think about and honor and cherish daily.  

An angel from long ago

Bent down to earth below,

And to Mary whispered low,

"Call His name Jesus."

Cherish that beautiful name.

Cherish that wonderful name.

Cherish that matchless name.

That name is Jesus.

"Fear not the words I say.

God has favored you today.

You shall bring forth a Son

And call His name Jesus."

Cherish that beautiful name.

Cherish that wonderful name.

Cherish that matchless name.

That name is Jesus.

King of kings and Lord of lords.

He shall reign forevermore.

Come before Him and adore

That lovely name of Jesus.

Cherish that beautiful name.

Cherish that wonderful name.

Cherish that matchless name.

That name is Jesus.

You can listen to it here.       LISTEN

SOMETHING WORTH LIVING FOR

          It is so sad to hear of a person who chooses suicide to end a life that appears to him to be hopeless.  And just as sad are those who choose to murder innocent people before taking their own life.  And we read of these tragedies almost daily in today's world where for many death seems to be the only escape from their shattered lives.
          But what a joy to discover the Savior that can mend hearts and give one something to live for.  Something more than my yesterdays.  Something more than wealth or fame.  Something worth living for!
          The text of this song was written by William Dale Oldham, who was born in 1903, in Oklahoma to William H. Oldham, a minister in the Church of God, and his wife Myrtle.  His father had composed some music, and singing was important in the home.  Dale first became involved as an evangelistic song-leader who travelled with various preachers in their meetings.  Then he became a minister in the Church of God, serving first in Kentucky, beginning in 1925.
          After moving around to numerous places, Oldham came in 1945 to the Park Place Church of God in Anderson, IN,  and he remained there as minister until 1962.  Shortly after his arrival, a student at Anderson College who was a member at Park Place and worked at a local radio station suggested the possibility of a national radio program.  Thus, in January of 1947, the first airing of "The Christian Brotherhood Hour" was broadcast from radio station KGGF in Coffeyville, KS.  Oldham served as speaker, a role which he continued until 1968.  By 1962, the program was being carried on more than 260 stations, in 44 different states, and a dozen international stations. 
          The tune (Something More) for "Something Worth Living For" was composed by William James "Bill" Gaither (b. 1936).  The song was first published in 1967 by Gaither Music Company.  After a battle with cancer, Oldham died in March of 1984 at the age of 81.  Dale was the father of gospel singer Douglas Reed "Doug" Oldham (1930-2010).
          The final verse of this song reminds us that the Lord gives joy to the guilty soul who has been healed.  "Oh, the joy of sins forgiven, there's nothing the same as before; My life overflows since Jesus came and gave me something worth living for!"  What a contrast to the hopelessness that so many are dealing with today.
          What about you dear friend?  Have you experienced the new life and joy that Jesus can provide for you or are you living with hopelessness and despair.  Trust Jesus today, then you will have something worth living for

Life was shattered and hope was gone, 

crushing the load that I bore;

Then out of the depths I cried,

 "O God, give me something worth living for!" 

Something more than my yesterdays,

 more than I had before;

Something more than wealth or fame, 

He gave me something worth living for! 

There, with life at its lowest ebb, 

who could heal and restore?

Then He came and mended my broken heart, 

He gave me something worth living for!

Something more than my yesterdays,

 more than I had before;

Something more than wealth or fame, 

He gave me something worth living for! 

Oh, the joy of sins forgiven, 

there's nothing the same as before;

My life overflows since Jesus came 

and gave me something worth living for! 

Something more than my yesterdays, 

more than I had before;

Something more than wealth or fame, 

He gave me something worth living for! 

Something worth living for! 

Listen to it here.    SOMETHING

IT IS MARVELOUS AND WONDERFUL (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a hymn blog from the past, rewrite it and edit it and share it once more.  This hymn was first shared on May 27, 2012

          The regular readers of this blog will know that sometimes my choices are made because of the moving melody of the selection.  This is the case again this week since I love the chorus in particular which has a flowing, upbeat melody.  

          And the words also are special and a wonderful testimony.  In the first verse we are reminded of the peace which we experience when we yield to the Savior's control.  The second verse reminds us of the Savior's presence through His marvelous grace during our daily walk with Him.  As is very common in old hymns, the final verse speaks of the fellowship we will experience when we see our Lord face to face around His throne. Concluding hymns with a verse about the hope of heaven was important to the old hymn writers. And yes, what Jesus has done for our soul is marvelous and wonderful.  No words can adequately share this situation.  

          As is often the case, I could find nothing about the actual writing of this hymn except that it was penned by Mrs. Charles H. Morris (1862-1929).  I have referred to her often in previous blogs noting that when her eyes began to fail in 1913, her son built a 28-foot blackboard with oversized staff lines so she could continue composing.  It is said that she authored more than 1,000 Gospel songs this way.  

          This hymn must have flowed from her closeness to the Lord.  Hopefully it will be a stirring reminder to you of the wonderful, marvelous experience of knowing and walking with the Lord.

          "It is marvelous and wonderful!"

(1)   The Saviour has come in His mighty Power 

And spoken peace to my soul 

And all of my life from that very hour 

I've yielded to his control 

I've yielded to his control 

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told 

(2)   From Glory to Glory he leads me on 

From Grace to Grace every day 

And brighter and brighter the Glory dawns 

While pressing my home ward way 

While pressing my home ward way  

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told 

(3)    If fellowship here with my Lord can be 

So inexpressibly sweet 

Oh what will it be when his face we see 

When round the bright throne we meet 

When round the bright throne we meet  

Wonderful oh it is wonderful 

It is marvelous and wonderful 

What Jesus has done for this soul of mine 

The half has never been told  

Listen to it here.   MARVELOUS

O GOD BEYOND ALL PRAISING

          "O God Beyond All Praising" is a beautiful hymn that speaks of praising God no matter what life brings our way, for God is so amazing that no song can truly express the depth of our gratitude.

          This song is a relatively recent work, written in 1982 by Michael Perry (1942 - 1996), an Anglican priest.  Perry was born in Beckenham, Kent, England, where he served as Vicar of Tonbridge and a canon of Rochester Cathedral. One of England's most promising hymn writers, he worked as editor and director of Jubilate Hymns until an inoperable brain tumor led to his untimely death in December 1996.  He is said to have written more than 200 hymns and versifications.

          "O God Beyond All Praising" was written specifically for the melody THAXTED in 1982, a composition by the early 20th-century British composer Gustav Holst (1874-1934). This tune is normally associated in the U.K. with a more patriotic text. Perry composed the text, he said, "in response to a call for alternative words that would be more appropriate for Christian worship."

          This hymn which inspires much fervor in the British homeland is often sung at Remembrance Day services, and Princess Diana requested it for her wedding in 1981. The song was repeated for her funeral in 1997 and again for the 10th anniversary observance of her death in 2007.

          Perry created a majestic hymn of praise that is biblically rooted.   For example, line "our sacrifice of praise," come directly from Psalm 116:17 and Hebrews 13:15. In stanza one, the phrase, "wait upon your word," echoes Psalm 130:5. Another phrase from stanza one, "for we can only wonder at every gift you send," resounds in the spirit of James 1:17.

          The hymn expresses simple gratitude and the firm determination to turn that gratitude into trusting endurance, particularly as expressed in the words "Whether our tomorrows, be filled with good or ill, we'll triumph through our sorrows and rise to bless you still."  It's good to be reminded – regularly - that God is great, and God is good, and that His ways are perfect. People today are struggling under heavy burdens of all kinds but we can all be strengthened in the knowledge that Someone is greater than all these things, so great that He can use them for our benefit.  And he loves us

          Rejoice and praise our great God as you meditate on this hymn this week.

 

1.            O God beyond all praising,

We worship you today

And sing the love amazing

That songs cannot repay;

For we can only wonder

At every gift you send,

At blessings without number

And mercies without end:

We lift our hearts before you

And wait upon your word,

We honor and adore you,

Our great and mighty Lord.

2.     Then hear, O gracious Savior,

Accept the love we bring,

That we who know your favor

May serve you as our king;

And whether our tomorrows

Be filled with good or ill,

We'II triumph through our sorrows

And rise to bless you still:

To marvel at your beauty

And glory in your ways,

And make a joyful duty

Our sacrifice of praise.

 

Listen to it here.   PRAISE

 

THE STRIFE IS O'ER

          During this Thanksgiving season I've chosen to share a hymn which is usually thought to be an Easter hymn.  And I think it is appropriate since there is nothing better to be thankful for than the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
          This old but stirring Easter hymn has undergone many changes over the decades.  It is believed this hymn came from the twelfth century, but the earliest printed version of the Latin hymn we have is from a Jesuit book published in 1695.  
            The actual author is not known, but Francis Pott, (1831-1909), an Anglican minister, published his own translation of it in 1695. His was a translation from Latin into English.
            One of the stirring features of this hymn are the "allelulas" which conclude each verse.  "Alleluia" is the Greek version of the Hebrew word "hallelujah."  An organist, William Monk, added the Alleluias and set the words to music that had been written much earlier by Vatican choirmaster, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina.
          The hymn celebrates the battle fought and won at the cross.  "The powers of death have done their worst," but Christ has won the victory.  "The three days (in the tomb) have quickly sped; (Christ) rises glorious from the dead."   The last verse is a prayer—a prayer that Christ, by his death, might set us free from death "so that we may live, and sing to thee:  Alleluia!"  Amen to that!
          William Hart, in his book, Hymn Stories of the 20th Century, which was published in 1948 (not long after World War II had ended), adds the unusual note that a soldier's chorus sang this hymn at the funeral of General George Patton on December 23, 1945 after his death in an automobile accident.  Whether that seems significant to you or not, it is significant that this hymn and others celebrating the resurrection have been a strength and comfort to many who have had to face the death of a loved one.
          Each of the verses give us reminders of what we should be thankful for.  In verse 1, Christ won the victory.  Verse 2 – Christ dispersed the powers of death.  Verse 3 – Christ rose from the dead.  Verse 4 – Christ closed hell and opened heaven. Verse 5 – Christ makes us free.
          For those of us who truly believe the teachings of the scriptures concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus, we should be filled with joy and thanksgiving knowing that in Christ "The Strife Is O'er."
          Alleluia!

1   The strife is o'er, the battle done;

the victory of life is won;

the song of triumph has begun.

Alleluia!

2.   The powers of death have done their worst,

but Christ their legions have dispersed.

Let shouts of holy joy outburst

Allelujah!

 3   The three sad days are quickly sped;

He rises glorious from the dead.

All glory to our risen Head.

Alleluia!

4   He closed the yawning gates of hell;

the bars from heaven's high portals fell.

Let hymns of praise his triumph tell.

Alleluia!

5   Lord, by the stripes which wounded thee,

from death's dread sting thy servants free,

that we may live and sing to thee.

Alleluia!

Rejoice as you listen to it here.    STRIFE

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME

          A few years ago a series of tornados devastated a portion of Kentucky.  Many people returned to their former homes to discover that they had lost all that they had.

          One man and his sister returned to find most of their home destroyed.  However, one wall was still standing and his water-soaked piano was still there standing against the wall. Soon he was there playing "There's Just Something About That Name".  While he played, his sister secretly video taped his music which was later shared around the world on the internet.  The song was a very special comfort to many who heard it.

          This beautiful song was written in 1970 by Gloria and Bill Gaither when they were going through a challenging time in their lives.  The song came to them out of a personal experience that confirmed the power and effect the name of Jesus had on their everyday lives. In the years before the writing of this song, their grandparents had died. The Gaithers were impressed by how often, even in their dying days, their grandparents spoke the name of Jesus.  
          It was also about this time that the Gaithers became parents. They weren't sure they were ready for this new responsibility. So, when their child woke up in the middle of the night with a high fever, they began calling on the name of Jesus, the Great Physician. Yes, there's something about that name.
          The song says how powerful, constant, and comforting the name of Jesus is. The name Jesus encapsulates all that He is and can be for us. The lyrics and melody, reflect the peace and comfort which washes over us when we call on the name of Jesus, regardless of what stage of life we are in or whether we are facing a mountaintop or valley.

          Maybe this week you, too, will face some difficult challenges.  Just remember that while things change and pass away, Jesus will not.  Call upon Him for there's something special about His name and His response.

 

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus; 

there's just something about that name.

Master, Savior, Jesus, 

like the fragrance after the rain;

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 

let all Heaven and earth proclaim

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,

But there's something about that name.

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,

But there's something about that name.

 

          Listen to it here.  NAME

 

https://youtu.be/W09KqLV5E2Y

GREAT GOD OF WONDERS (TH)

TIMELESS HYMNS - A feature in which I choose a blog from the past, revise it and post it once again.  This hymn was featured previously on May 20, 2012.

          When I was growing up hymns were an integral part of my life.  As we traveled our family would sing for long periods of time.  Those experiences, plus attending many church services, usually at least four times per week, gave me many opportunities to sing and learn the words to many great hymns.  

           But I must admit that during the early years it wasn't always the words that drew me to a hymn.  More often it was the upbeat melody or some special musical feature that captured my attention.  That fact was brought back to me recently when I heard this hymn which I had  not heard in many years.  Immediately I remembered the moving men's part in the chorus.  I can still hear the men singing "Who is a pardoning God like Thee? Or who has grace so rich and free? Or who has grace so rich and free?"  

          But now that I am older I also appreciate the great words that center around our great God and His pardon and grace.  The words were written by Samuel Davies (1723-1761).  I can't find much about the actual writing of the hymn, but Davies was an evangelist and Presbyterian minister. He also served a term as the fourth President of Princeton University, then known as the College of New Jersey, from 1759 to 1761. One of the first non-Anglican preachers in Virginia, he was a strong advocate for religious freedom, and helped to institute significant religious reforms in the colony. 

          Davies was also a prolific writer, authoring several hymns and publishing a book of poetry. Musicologists credit Davies with being the first American-born hymn writer. Davies followed the lines of Isaac Watts although his verses are often considered "solid, but somewhat dry and heavy".  

          Davies was born in New Castle County, Delaware. His parents could not afford to send him to college but were determined that he should be trained for the ministry. He studied in Samuel Blair's famous school at Fagg's Manor, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New Castle when he was twenty-two,  For over 25 years our family had a family ministry and several times we presented programs in the Presbyterian Church in Faggs Manor. I remember the old sanctuary upstairs, especially since we had to carry all of our heavy equipment up the stairs to get  to the sanctuary.  But little did I know then, until I recently found this information, that Faggs Manor had such a rich tradition dating back over two centuries ago.  

          Anyway, I hope that you are challenged by the words of this week's hymn choice.  Indeed we serve a God of great wonders, a pardoning God with grace so rich and free.

(1)     Great God of wonders! All Thy ways

Are matchless, Godlike and divine;

But the fair glories of Thy grace

More Godlike and unrivaled shine,

More Godlike and unrivaled shine.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(2)     Crimes of such horror to forgive,

Such guilty, daring worms to spare;

This is Thy grand prerogative,

And none shall in the honor share,

And none shall in the honor share

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(3)     Angels and men, resign your claim

To pity, mercy, love and grace:

These glories crown Jehovah's Name

With an incomparable glaze

With an incomparable glaze.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(4)     In wonder lost, with trembling joy,

We take the pardon of our God:

Pardon for crimes of deepest dye,

A pardon bought with Jesus' blood,

A pardon bought with Jesus' blood.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

(5)     O may this strange, this matchless grace,

This Godlike miracle of love,

Fill the whole earth with grateful praise,

And all th'angelic choirs above,

And all th'angelic choirs above.

Who is a pardoning God like Thee?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Or who has grace so rich and free?

Listen to it here.   LISTEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUm94tI55jI

HE NEVER SLEEPS

          SLEEP – a vital part of a healthy life.  Something that we all need and something that we crave, especially when our bodies and minds are tired.

          But sometimes folks find it very hard to sleep.  Maybe we have had too much caffeine or have eaten too much food too close to our bedtime.  Maybe our mind is clogged with problems and worries.  Maybe there is too much noise or other distractions around us.  Or maybe we have genuine physical problems confronting us.  And we may turn and toss and watch the clock, but sleep just doesn't come.

          But others face the opposite problem – they can fall asleep easily and quickly, especially at times when they don't want to sleep.  Physical difficulties can be a source of this problem.   I am a diabetic and one of the results of a high sugar level is that I can suddenly doze off and not realize it.  It is very embarrassing when this happens while you are talking to someone or are in a conference.  It can be very dangerous when this happens when you are driving.  

          Now I feel sorry for those who must work night shifts and must be wide awake and attentive during the long night hours.  It must be hard at times to not doze off or slumber.

          Thankfully as believers we do know one who never slumbers or sleeps no matter the time or the situation.  He is always there to hear us and help us.  In Psalm 121:4 we are told, "Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."  So, we don't need to worry, night or day, for we are always in His care.

          Don Moen put this truth into music by writing this week's featured choice.  He reminds us that God is able and faithful.  He is always there when we need Him.  He never goes on vacation nor does He take time off to sleep.  Rejoice as you study Moen's words.

When you've prayed every prayer 

that you know how to pray

Just remember the Lord will hear 

and the answer in on it's way

Our God is able

He is mighty

He is faithful

And He never sleeps He never slumbers

He never tires of hearing our prayer

When we are weak He becomes stronger

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares on Him

Do you feel that the Lord has forgotten your need

Just remember that God is always working 

in ways you cannot see

Our God is able

He is mighty He is faithful

And He never sleeps He never slumbers

He never tires of hearing our prayer

When we are weak He becomes stronger

So rest in His love and cast all of your 

cares on Him (repeat * 2x)

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares

So rest in His love and cast all of your cares

So rest in His love 

and cast all of your cares on Him

 

Maybe this is a reminder that we all need.  Sleep in peace because our protector never sleeps or slumbers.

 

You can listen to it here as sung by the author.   MOEN

Or you can also listen to my favorite version 

as done by the Derric Johnson Vocal Orchestra.   ACAPELLA

 

SAFE AM I

          Decades ago when I was a teenager the chorus "Safe Am I' was a favorite for both teens and adults.  Typically it was sung in youth gatherings and in prayer meetings.  But over the years there was a change in music styles and today most church attenders have never heard this chorus.

          And times have changed and life is not as safe physically as it used to be.  We've battled with covid and many of our friends have died. The use of guns has become epidemic.  In the four cities within 50 miles of our home, shootings are a daily occurrence.  And then there has been an increase in major destructive storms, fires, earthquakes and terrorism.  We don't know what a day will bring.  Are we really safe?

          But there is also an increase in spiritual attacks.  But believers can rest in the truth of Romans 8:38-39.  "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

          Mildred Dillon and her husband Bill were gospel musicians, serving the Lord with a church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. One night at choir practice, each person in attendance was asked to recite a recently memorized Scripture verse. Mildred, the group's pianist, forgot hers, and quickly thumbed through her Bible to find another. Her eyes fell on Psalm 91:11, which she personalized in reading it: "He shall give His angels charge over [me], to keep [me] in all [my] ways."

          That promise was soon put to the test. A powerful storm was picking up outside, rattling the windows of the church. Then, suddenly, a tornado struck the building, including its fifty-foot chimney, and eighteen tons of brick crashed through the roof and fell on Mildred at the piano. It took a dozen men half an hour to free her.

          She was rushed to the hospital. Covered with cuts and bruises, her back broken, for a time doctors didn't expect her to survive, but by God's grace she did. And it was during her over two months in the hospital in 1937 that Mildred Dillon wrote the words for a chorus. In all, fewer than fifty words long, it begins:

Safe am I, safe am I,

In the hollow of His hand.

Sheltered o'er, sheltered o'er

With His love for evermore.

          She had words, but no tune. Then, a year later, she and Bill embarked on the Ile de France for England, engaged to assist, with their music, pastor, evangelist and hymn writer Paul Rader, in a series of meetings. In mid-Atlantic the ship was struck by a violent storm. As the waves pitched the ship, Mildred was knocked down.

          Though not injured, she was filled with fear, but the Lord brought peace to her soul as she thought of her experience the previous year, and the verse, Psalm 91:11, and the words she'd composed in the hospital. "I'm still safe in the hollow of Your hand," she thought. Later she went to a piano on board, and composed the tune.

           Over the years since 1938 the Dillons received around fifteen hundred letters, expressing appreciation for the little song, telling of ways it has blessed others. Now, both Bill and Mildred are safe at home with the Lord in heaven.

          What a thrill to know that God's children are safe in the hollow of His hand. And we know that no matter what may come our way that He keeps us and we are safe in His care.

          Friend are you facing some storm today?  Sing this chorus and rest in God's care, protection and provision.  There is true safety.

Safe am I, Safe am I,

In the hollow of His hand;

Sheltered o'er, sheltered o'er

With His love forever more

No ill can harm me, No foe alarm me,

For He keeps both day and night,

Safe am I, Safe am I,

In the hollow of His hand.

Listen to the chorus here.    SAFE