Children’s Book Review: He Meant You to be You
Author: J.J. LeVan Illustrator: James Newton Genre: Children’s picture book For every child who needs to know they are loved by God, and every parent who wants to affirm their unique child. In this rhyming adventure book, children discover that no matter where they go or what they do, they are loved. From morning to night, through chaos and challenges, […]
Read moreHymn Story: Savior, More than Life to Me
“Savior, More than Life to Me” was first published by Fanny Crosby in 1875. William H. Doane composed the music. He sent Crosby the tune and requested she write a hymn titled “Every day and hour.” It is said that this hymn provided Crosby with great joy and comfort. Ira Sankey wrote “Her hope has been most fully verified, for […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Great High Priest
Hymn Songs: Never Forget the Dear Ones
Renowned hymnists Fanny Crosby taught at the New York Institution for the Blind for eleven years. While on summer break, she would spend time in North Reading, Mass. She wrote many songs for Dr. George F. Root, the music teacher at the blind instutition. “Never Forget the Dear Ones” was such song. Root would then provide the music to marry […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: The Good Shepherd
Hymn Story: The King of all Kings
George Beverly Shea performed the song “The King of All Kings.” He released the song in 1954 alongside “If You Know the Lord.” The song was written by Stuart Hamblen (1908-1989), a singer and songwriter. He was one of radio’s first singing cowboys and later became a Chrisitan songwriter. Hamblen has been inducted into numerous hall of fames such as […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Architect of the Ages
Hymn Story: The Bright Forever
Fanny Crosby wrote “The Bright Forever.” Sometimes it’s referred to by the beginning line “Breaking through the clouds that gather.” Crosby met many distinguished figures in American history, including Henry Clay. She wrote of one encounter with the politician. “When Mr. Clay came to the institution during his last visit to New York, I was selected to welcome him with […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Everlasting Father
Hymn Story: I Am the Resurrection and the Life
“I Am the Resurrection and the Life” comes from John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” The hymn was written by Norman J. Clayton. He was born on January 22, 1903 in Brooklyn, New York. By the age of twelve, he became church organist–a […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Eternal Life
Book Review: Darwin Finds Freedom
Darwin Finds Freedom Author: Nicole Lisa Schrader Illustrator: H. C. Ward Genre: Children’s book Forced to flee for his life, Darwin searches for the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories. But will they accept a scaredy-mouse like him? Darwin’s journey to find the Free Mice from Grandfather’s stories introduces him to mountain animals who teach him about the King of all Creatures […]
Read moreHymn Story: Out of the Depths I Cry to You
Out of the Depths I Cry to You is inspired by Psalm 130. The hymn was written by reformer Martin Luther. Luther was born in 1483, became an Augustinian monk in 1505 and ordained priest in 1507. He published his 95 Theses in 1517, attended the Diet of Worms in 1521 and translated the Bible into German from 1521-1534. He […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Immanuel
Hymn Story: Praise, Praise His Name
Praise, Praise His Name was written by Fanny Crosby. The hymn is often referred to by its first line “On the desert mountain straying.” Crosby became blind at a very young age but became a prolific hymnwriter. After finishing her education, she became a teacher at the New York Institution for the Blind in 1847. She taught English grammar, rhetoric, […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Door to the Sheep
Song Story: It took a Miracle
John W. Peterson wrote the hymn “It Took a Miracle” in 1948. Peterson was born on November 1, 1921 and died on September 20, 2006. He wrote over 1,000 songs and thirty-five cantatas throughout the course of his career. Some of this best-known hymns include “Heaven Came Down,” “Jesus is Coming Again,” and “Over the Sunset Mountains.” Performers such as […]
Read moreNames of Jesus: Deliverer
Song Story: My God and I
George Beverly Shea released “My God and I” in 1959 on the album “In the Garden.” I’ve been unable to find any additional information about who the composer of this song is.
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