Book Review: Return from Tomorrow by George Ritchie
George Ritchie tells his riveting story in Return from Tomorrow about his own experience with visions of the afterlife and returning to life after death. The story is told in an easy to read and…
Song Story: God Save the King (Queen)
Yesterday, a new British monarch was crowned in Westminster Abbey. A historic event for anymore under the age of seventy, who had never known another ruler before the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September…
Book Review: Soul Care for the Battle: A Guided Journal by Susie Larson
Susie Larson has put together a journal Soul Care for the Battle. The journal provides scripture and quotes for thoughts but provides guidance to draw closer to the Lord and work through a variety of…
Hymn Story: Glory to His Name
Glory to His Name is often known by its first line “Down at the Cross Where My Savior died.” The hymn was written by Elisha A. Hoffman and first published in 1878. It is believed…
Book Review: Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner
Eric Lawson is sent to a small Montana town but he can’t wait to return to Seattle. Eunice Parker is facing her own mortality with a terminal illness, as she seeks to ask for forgiveness.…
Hymn Story: Covered by the Blood
Covered by the Blood was written in 1904 by Nellie Edwards. The music was provided by Ran C. Story. I’ve been unable to find any additional information on either the lyricist or hymn writer.
Book Review: What Happens Next by Christina Susanna Nelson
Podcaster Faith Byrne tells stories of greatness after tragedy—but her real life is very different. Then she’s sked to spotlight her childhood best friend’s missing person case on her podcast. Dora Crane never accepted her…
Hymn Story: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” is considered a Christian Passion hymn. It is based on a long Latin poem “Salve mundi salutare” from the Middle Ages. Each of the seven stanzas addresses various part’s of…
Easter Hymn: He Arose
He Arose is often known by its first line “Low in the grave He lay” or the last line “Hallelujah! Christ arose!” The verse is known for its dirge or slowness while the chorus is…
Hymn Story: In the Cross of Christ I Glory
“In the Cross of Christ I Glory” was written by Sir John Bowring. He was born in 1792 in Exeter, England and a gifted linguist mastering thirteen languages. In 1854, he was knighted by Queen…
Song Story: Thank You Lord For Your Many Blessings On Me
I was able to find very little about this song, Thank You Lord For your Many Blessings on Me, other than it was written and performed by Jeff and Sheri Easter. The message is so…
Hymn Story: Jesus, Lover of My Soul
“Jesus, Lover of My Soul” was written by the prolific hymn writer Charles Wesley. He wrote the hymn within months of his 1738 conversion and titled the piece “In Temptation”. It was first published as…
Hymn Story: Jesus Saves
“Jesus Saves” is often known with its opening line “we have heard the joyful sound”. The hymn was written by Priscilla J. Owens. She was born on July 21, 1829 and lived in Baltimore, where…
Hymn Story: There is a Balm in Gilead
“There Is A Balm in Gilead” is a traditional spiritual. While the date of composition is unknown, the song dates back to at least the 19th Century. A version of the refrain can be found…
Hymn Story: All My Hope On God is Founded
“All My Hope on God is Founded” began as the German hymn. The original words “Meine Hoffnung stehet feste”. Joachim Neander wrote the hymn around 1680. Neander was born in 1650 in Bremen (modern day…
Hymn Story: In Heavenly Love Abiding
“In heavenly love abiding” is based on the fifteenth chapter of John’s gospel. Anna Laetitia Waring wrote the hymn, which explores heavenly love. Anna Waring was born in Wales in 1823, to a Quaker family.…
Hymn Story: Jerusalem
William Blake was an English poet, painter, and printmaker. In his epic collection Milton: A Poem in Two Books is a poem titled “And did those feet in ancienty time”. Various lines of the poem…
Hymn Story: Who Shall Separate us?
“Who Shall Separate Us?” is an eight-part a cappella choir composition. It was written by James MacMillian and commissioned for the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II sometime around 2011-2012 when the song was written.…
Hymn Story: O Taste and See how gracious the Lord is
“O taste and see how gracious is the Lord” was composed for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Ralph Vaughan Williams married his melody with the scripture found in Psalm 34. The hymn was inspired…
A Journey of Hope by Stacy Simmons
This week my dear friend and critique partner Stacy Simmons released her book A Journey of Hope. But, you see, Stacy celebrated her release day in heaven. It was my privilege to journey through this…